Sands 2 Fire: estimated 50 acres, 50% contained
Location: approximately 10 miles northwest of Monahans, Texas

Dozer crews continue to make progress constructing containment line. Engine crews are patrolling the containment line for slop overs, mopping up any hot spots, and performing burn out operations when safe to do so.  

Hidden Fire – September 3, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 6107

Percent Containment: 29%

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Successful Firefighting Operations Continue on the Hidden Fire 

YESTERDAY: There was no growth on the fire yesterday. Helicopter bucket drops kept areas of heat in check. Crews continued to work on securing, patrolling and mopping up containment lines. Warmer weather and lower humidity caused increased fire activity within the perimeter as expected. The increase in heat ignited unburned interior pockets of fuel in burnout areas, helping to secure containment within the existing footprint.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Warmer weather today will continue to support burning operations, as interior pockets of brushy fuel ignite and burn out, lessening the potential for fire growth beyond containment lines. Firefighters will continue their focus on securing and mopping up fire lines. Masticators will be used for suppression repair work in areas where contingency and protection work was completed.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

• Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

• View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information. As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq

Hidden Fire – September 6, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 6100

Percent Containment: 59%

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

No New Perimeter Growth on the Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: There was no new perimeter growth on the Hidden Fire yesterday. Several interior pockets of concentrated heat produced smoke columns which drifted into the Tonto Basin area. Crews conducted burning operations in unburned islands in order to keep control lines secure. Firefighters patrolled, moped-up and with the guidance of Resource Advisors repair work was successful near Jakes Corner.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: High temperatures and low humidity will bring conditions that may produce more activity on the fire today. With the higher temperatures, available fuels will be drier and primed to ignite within the previous burnout operation areas. Pockets of brush that were previously smoldering may have active periods of burning today. Firefighters will patrol, mop up and keep looking for spot fires. Resource Advisors and ground crews will focus on repair work in the Brownsville area.

DRIVING SAFETY: With the holiday weekend underway and increased traffic to the area, we remind the public that fire apparatus will be traveling to and from the fire throughout the day. With increased traffic on the roadways in and around the Payson area, please drive carefully and be aware that fire crew vehicles and equipment are sharing the road with commuters.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

·         Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

·         Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

·         View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information. As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021 Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757 Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

 Hidden Fire – September 5, 2020 Morning Update                   

  Hidden Fire – September 3, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 6107Percent
Containment: 29%
Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0 Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Successful Firefighting Operations Continue on the Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: There was no growth on the fire yesterday. Helicopter bucket drops kept areas of heat in check. Crews continued to work on securing, patrolling and mopping up containment lines. Warmer weather and lower humidity caused increased fire activity within the perimeter as expected. The increase in heat ignited unburned interior pockets of fuel in burnout areas, helping to secure containment within the existing footprint.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Warmer weather today will continue to support burning operations, as interior pockets of brushy fuel ignite and burn out, lessening the potential for fire growth beyond containment lines. Firefighters will continue their focus on securing and mopping up fire lines. Masticators will be used for suppression repair work in areas where contingency and protection work was completed.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

•    Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

•    Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

•    View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information. As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449
Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

 Hidden Fire – September 3, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 6107

Percent Containment: 29%

 Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

 Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Successful Firefighting Operations Continue on the Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: There was no growth on the fire yesterday. Helicopter bucket drops kept areas of heat in check. Crews continued to work on securing, patrolling and mopping up containment lines. Warmer weather and lower humidity caused increased fire activity within the perimeter as expected. The increase in heat ignited unburned interior pockets of fuel in burnout areas, helping to secure containment within the existing footprint.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Warmer weather today will continue to support burning operations, as interior pockets of brushy fuel ignite and burn out, lessening the potential for fire growth beyond containment lines. Firefighters will continue their focus on securing and mopping up fire lines. Masticators will be used for suppression repair work in areas where contingency and protection work was completed.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

•             Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

•             Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

•             View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information. As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021 Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757 Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449 Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Hidden Fire – September 2, 2020 Morning Update

 Acres: 6058

Percent Containment: 20%

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Burning Operations Help Secure Fire Lines on Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: Firefighters had another successful day on the Hidden Fire. Burning operations and other efforts to secure containment lines were continued with good progress. Favorable weather and patchy fuels are minimizing the fire’s footprint and ensuring protection of values at risk, including riparian areas to the west of the fire. Fire activity has been moderate with interior smoldering and creeping and more active runs in areas with heavier fuels and variable topography.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Burnout operations will continue today along with patrolling and mop up. Warmer, drier weather conditions may increase fire activity, helping to widen the depth of black along containment lines. Interior pockets of brush and pine stringers may produce increased smoke. Crews will begin evaluating suppression repair work in areas where contingency and protection work was completed.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:    

• Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349
• View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information.  As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html

Hidden Fire – September 1, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 5030

Percent Containment: 20%

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Crews Make Progress on Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: Crews made great progress towards the goal of full suppression on the Hidden Fire. The fire was moderately active as it moved through pine stringers, burning pine litter and manzanita/oak understory. A run up the southwest flank of Chalk mountain produced a heavy smoke column in the afternoon. Firefighters completed containment line along the northeastern perimeter and work continued to focus on mitigating the danger to values at risk.

TODAY’S ACTVITY: Crews will be completing direct and indirect fire line today, with continued focus on constructing line along the northern perimeter. Firing operations are planned along Forest Road 1938. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate, characterized by smoldering and creeping. Minimal growth is expected today due to lower temperatures, increased humidity and the possibility of rain predicted. A forecast of drying weather is expected for next few days.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

Effective at 12:00 pm on August 31, 2020, and as a result of the successful firefighting operations, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management has changed the READY-SET-GO notification status from SET to READY. For additional information please visit the Gila County website at https://www.gilacountyaz.gov/.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

·         Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

·         Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

·         View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information.  As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Superstition and Hidden Fire Update – August 31, 2020
 

Superstition Fire

 Acres: 9,539                                                                                       

Percent Containment: 68%                                                         

Start Date: August 20, 2020                                                        

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Mountains, Tonto NF

Hidden Fire

Acres: 4605                                                                                        

Percent Containment: 2%                                                           

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning                                                              

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

SUPERSTITION FIRE:

This is the final update for the Superstition Fire. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 led by Incident Commander John Pierson thanks the local communities and cooperators for your support during suppression of Superstition Fire.

YESTERDAY:

 Firefighters patrolled and monitored the perimeter. The Superstition Fire showed minimal growth yesterday. The area has received significant rainfall and grassy fuels that have previously enabled fire spread have mostly burned over.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY:

 Minimal fire behavior is expected on the Superstition Fire today. Fire crews will continue to monitor the fire perimeter The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 has returned fire management to the local unit.

SUPERSTITION FIRE CLOSURES:

Hwy 88 closures have been lifted.

Canyon Lake and all surrounding recreation areas remain closed.

Lost Dutchman, all surrounding trailheads and trails remain closed.

Areas west of Peralta Canyon Road, areas north of Peralta Canyon Road, and the Peralta Trail.

Canyon Lake Recreational areas – please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

View the closure order and map at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7046/

HIDDEN FIRE YESTERDAY:

Hidden fire showed minimal growth yesterday due to increased humidity from scattered, light showers overnight. Successful burning operations along the southern perimeter produced most of the smoke that was observed yesterday. Helicopters made bucket drops along the northern edges of the fire and other areas of heat.  Moderate fire behavior occurred upslope of Rock House Spring and in Skunk Creek Canyon.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY:

Minimum fire growth is expected today, and there is a high potential for wetting rains. Fire crews and dozers will be constructing direct and indirect line along the north, east and south perimeters.  Firefighters will prepare for burning operations to be conducted along Road 1938 over the next few days. Structure and ranchland protection preparation will continue beyond the northeast edge of the fire. 

AIR SUPPORT:

Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support remains limited. We are using shared air resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURES:

Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information.  As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Phone Line: 520-261-5021

Fire Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/easternarizona