Order Number: 03-12-00-20-402

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST

PLEASANT VALLEY AND TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICTS

Hidden Fire Public Safety Closure Order

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within

the area described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map,

hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, all within the Tonto National Forest, Pinal

County, Arizona.

1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the

effect of this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or firefighting

resource in the performance of an official duty.

RESTRICTED AREA

The Restricted Area encompasses all National Forest System lands within the boundary starting

at the point at which National Forest System Road (NFSR) 71 crosses Tonto Creek, following

north along the east side of Tonto Creek approximately 11 miles to NFSR 894, then following

NFSR 894 northeast to NFSR 134, then following NFSR 134 northeast approximately 13 miles

to Spring Creek, then following Spring Creek south approximately 6 miles to NFSR 131, then

following NFSR 131 southeast to NFSR 486, then following NFSR 486 west approximately 2.5

miles to NFSR 3253, then following NFSR 3253 north to NFSR 416, then following NFSR 416

southwest approximately 7.5 miles to NFSR 609, then following NFSR 609 southwest 4 miles to

NFSR 71, then following NFSR 71 southwest back to the point of beginning at its crossing with

Tonto Creek.

In addition to any portion of these roads that are interior to the restricted area, the following

roads are closed on the perimeter as well: NFSR 894 is closed from Tonto Creek to the junction

of NFSR 134. NFSR 134 is closed from the junction of NFSR 894 to Spring Creek. NFSR 131

is closed from Spring Creek to to NFSR 486. NFSR 486 is closed from NFSR 131 to NFSR

3253. NFSR 3253 is closed from NFSR 486 to NFSR 416. NFSR 416 is closed from NFSR 486

to NFSR 609. NFSR 609 is closed from NFSR 486 to NFSR 71. NFSR 71 is closed from NFSR

609 to Tonto Creek.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during firefighting and

emergency operations in the Restricted Area.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on August 27, 2020, at 6:00 p.m., and shall remain in effect

until September 30, 2020, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

2. A map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as

Exhibit A.

3. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not

more than $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for

not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6),

18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)).

4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Tonto National Forest

Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona, (602)225-5200, at the Payson/Pleasant Valley

Ranger District Office, (928)471-7900, or at the Tonto Basin Ranger District Office,

(602)225-5395.

5. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this

Order.

Dated this ____27th_______ day of ____August________ 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona

Dated this ____27th_______ day of ____August________ 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona

NEIL BOSWORTH

Forest Supervisor

 Superstition and Hidden Fire Update – August 30, 2020 Morning Update

 

Superstition Fire

Acres: 9539                                                                                        

Percent Containment: 58%                                                         

Start Date: August 20, 2020                                                        

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Mountains, Tonto NF
 

Hidden Fire

Acres: 4307                                                                                        

Percent Containment: 0%                                                           

Start Date: August 25, 2020                                                          

FireInjuries: 0

Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: Sierra Poancha Mountains, Skunk Drainage 

Thunderstorms Douse Superstition Fire 
and Bring Moisture to Hidden Fire: Flash Flood Warnings

Be alert to flood warnings with thunderstorm activity.

 

SUPERSTITION FIRE:

The HWY 88 corridor will be reopening at 0600 hour today, August 30, 2020 from Lost Dutchman State Park up to Fish Creek where the road was closed at the washout.

YESTERDAY: The Superstition Fire showed minimal growth yesterday and received heavy rain last night. Primary fire activity was in the northeast, within Superstition Wilderness.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Minimal fire behavior is expected on the Superstition Fire today. Fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 will return the fire to the local unit today, Sunday, at 7:00 PM.

 

ROAD CLOSURES & RECREATION USE OF THE FOREST: This includes the closure of the following areas

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/

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity through-out 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: 

Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 led by Incident Commander John Pierson assumed command of the Hidden Fire on Saturday morning, August 29, 2020 at 0600.

YESTERDAY: Hidden fire was active producing drifting smoke that settled in the Roosevelt Lake Valley overnight.  The smoke should begin to clear and lift by mid-morning today. The fire showed moderate behavior on the northwest side within Skunk Tank Canyon as well as backing downslope towards Rock House Springs.  Fire activity on the eastern fire perimeter was burning along Road 416 within the 2018 Bear Fire scar in open pine and grasses.  A southerly fire growth through pine and pinyon/juniper showed moderate activity with occasional single tree torching and short-range spotting.

TODAY: Fire crews will conduct firing operations on the southern portion of the fire perimeter.  Structure protection preparation on the northeast side of the fire perimeter will continue.  The fire will continue to grow north, east and west.  Fire line construction and fire line improvement will continue within the Tonto Basin. 

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity through-out 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.

Gila County Sheriff’s Office placed residents in the communities of Brownsville and Jacks Corner in “SET” Status on 8/28/2020.

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

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

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 29th 2020 

 

Location: Chalk Mountain/Skunk Tank Canyon            Date Detected: 8/25/2020

Size: 4,035 acres                                                           Containment: 0%

Cause: Lightning                                                         Resources: 13 Engines, 5 Hotshot Crews, 2 Dozers, 1 Masticator, Additional Resources on Order   The Hidden Fire is a lightning caused wildfire reported on 08/25/2020 that is burning on the border of the Tonto Basin and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts. The fire is located near Chalk Mountain and Skunk Tank Canyon. The Hidden Fire is currently 4,035 acres, with 0% containment.   Gila County Health and Emergency Management have placed the following areas on “SET” status: The 76 Ranch, all residents in the Highway 188 corridor, including Jake’s Corner, Del Chi Ranch, Pioneer Pass, Brownsville, Slate Creek to the north end of Punkin Center, and Malon Pasture (North Chaparral Trail, North Sierra Ancha Way, and Santo Sandia Lane).  There are no further status changes or evacuations in effect at this time.   Southwest Area Incident Management Type-1 Team 2 (Incident Commander Pierson) has assumed command of the incident as of 6:00 am this morning.  The team is spending the day assessing values at risk, prioritizing the need for protection of values, and scouting for potential control features.   There are 13 Engines, 5 Hand Crews, 2 Dozers, 1 Masticator, and Misc Overhead assigned to the fire. Additional resources are on order.  Heavy smoke will impact the areas of Hwy 188, Rye, Deer Creek, Young, Pine/Strawberry, and Payson. Firefighters are working to fully suppress the Hidden Fire.  The fire is well established in heavy brush and timber. 
 
The Hidden Fire is burning actively on all sides of the fire.  Weather forecasts call for increased relative humidity, and the possibility of precipitation over the fire area this afternoon.  A warming and drying trend will be present starting Monday.   Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect on the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for more information at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto   Everyone needs to be familiar with Arizona’s Ready, Set, Go! Program. Find more information at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go   InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7094/

 

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 28th 2020
 
Location: Chalk Mountain/Skunk Tank Canyon
Date Detected: 8/25/2020
Size: 2,700 acres Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 8 Engines, 4 Hand Crews, 2 Dozers, 1 Masticator, and Misc Overhead
 
The Hidden Fire is a lightning caused wildfire reported on 08/25/2020 that is burning on the border of the Tonto Basin and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts. The fire is located near Chalk Mountain and Skunk Tank Canyon. This afternoon, the fire was mapped at 2,700 acres, with 0% containment.
 
Gila County Health and Emergency Management have placed the following areas on “SET” status: The 76 Ranch, all residents in the Highway 188 corridor, including Jake’s Corner, Del Chi Ranch, Pioneer Pass, Brownsville, Slate Creek to the north end of Punkin Center, and Malon Pasture (North Chaparral Trail, North Sierra Ancha Way, and Santo Sandia Lane).There are no further status changes or evacuations in effect at this time.
 
Southwest Area Incident Management Type-1 Team 2 (Incident Commander Pierson) is currently assigned to the Superstition Fire on the Mesa Ranger District. SWA Team 2 will absorb command of the Hidden Fire tomorrow morning at 6:00 am.
There are 8 Engines, 4 Hand Crews, 2 Dozers, 1 Masticator, and Misc Overhead assigned to the fire. Additional resources are on order.

Heavy smoke will impact the areas of Hwy 188, Rye, Deer Creek, Young, Pine/Strawberry, and Payson. Firefighters are working to fully suppress the Hidden Fire. There is a large column of smoke showing from the incident this afternoon. The fire is well established in heavy brush and timber.As projected, the Hidden Fire is burning to the northeast and northwest, with some backing fire to the southwest. As of 5:00 pm, there has been no thunderstorm development, and no precipitation has been received over the fire area. Firefighters will continue working to create containment lines where safe today, and throughout the evening.
 
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect on the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for more information at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto Everyone needs to be familiar with Arizona’s Ready, Set, Go! Program. Find moreinformation at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 26th 2020

Location: Chalk Mountain/Skunk Tank Canyon
Date Reported: 8/25/2020
Size: 13 Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 3 Engines, 1 Hand Crew
 
The Hidden Fire is a lightning caused wildfire that is burning on the border of the Tonto Basin and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts. The fire started in the evening on 8/25/20, and is currently 13 acres, with 0% containment. The fire is located near Chalk Mountain and Skunk Tank Canyon.

The fire is burning in brush and timber. At this time, the fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations ineffect. There are 3 engine crews on scene, with 1 hand crew on order. Crews are working to construct containment lines in heavy fuels.

Updates will be posted when information becomes available. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect on the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for more information at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto Everyone needs to be familiar with Arizona’s Ready, Set, Go! Program. Find more information at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 1,275 acres

Containment: 65%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 120 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: This will be the last update for the Lofer Fire and Flash Fire. If there are any significant changes, it will be posted to the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency Facebook page. There will still be resources on the Lofer Fire and Flash Fire who will be monitoring for any changes in fire behavior, they will be patrolling the containment lines, as well as continuing suppression repair efforts. Both fires received a measurable amount of precipitation and more showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for today.

Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 100 percent contained.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.

Smoke: Fires in California and Oregon continued to generate smoke that was pushed south into Arizona all day yesterday. Air quality in a few places across the State registered as moderate. Today, smoke will continue to drift across the southern half of Arizona and may push air quality into the moderate range again.

Important Reminders: Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to drown your campfire with water and stir it up to suffocate any remaining heat.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 1,256 acres

Containment: 50%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 133 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: Yesterday afternoon, crews carried out firing operations along the K.L. Ridge which allowed firefighters to strengthen containment lines and promote a low intensity backing fire down Big Bonito Creek. Firefighters have begun to restore areas disturbed by containment and suppression efforts. This is being done to limit erosion along fire lines as well as to enhance the aesthetics of the landscape. Today, crews will be assessing if there is an additional need for firing operations while other resources will continue with suppression repair efforts.

There will be a local type 3 organization transitioning tomorrow evening for the Lofer and Flash Fires. As containment continues to increase and fire activity decreases, the updates for the fire will only be posted to the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency if there are any significant changes.

Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 90 percent contained.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.

Smoke: Smoke from California fires has increased dramatically and will again move into Arizona. Gusty winds today should move lingering smoke out of the area.

Important Reminders: Today, strong gusty winds are predicted, and we ask that everyone be careful with their campfires and extinguish it completely when you are leaving. Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to drown your campfire with water and stir it up to suffocate any remaining heat.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 1,153 acres

Containment: 40%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 139 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: Due to the precipitation that was received on Saturday, minimal fire behavior was seen yesterday morning. However, as temperatures rose, fuels dried out and increased fire activity was observed from the afternoon reconnaissance flight. Majority of the area holding heat is on the southwest portion of the fire along K.L. Ridge which is near drop point (DP) 2 and DP 10. Today, firefighters will be taking advantage of favorable winds by conducting firing operations from DP 2 down K.L. Ridge. Lofer Fire remains within containment lines.

Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 75% contained. All containment lines continue to hold, and very little smoke was detected during the afternoon recon flight.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.

Smoke: Today’s weather will provide opportunities for areas that continue to hold heat to increase activity. Any smoke that might be generated will drift south until mid-morning, when winds shift, and smoke moves to the southeast. Over the past few days smoke has not been substantial enough to reach surrounding communities within the Outlook Area, and air quality has been good. Smoke from California fires has increased dramatically and will again move into Arizona. Considering the amount of smoke and how far it is projected to move, air quality may move into the moderate category by the evening hours. Gusty winds tomorrow should move lingering smoke out of the area

Important Reminders: Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to bring enough water and a shovel to completely extinguish your campfire.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 1,153 acres

Containment: 30%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 139 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: The southern portion of the fire received some precipitation from the thunderstorm that moved through the local area. Fire activity for the next couple of days will determine if the received rainfall was enough to extinguish fire spread potential. Today, crews will be utilizing K.L. Ridge, near K.L. Ranch, to construct hand line and tie it into Big Bonito Creek. The incident organization will also be monitoring the area for any new lightning fires.

Flash Fire:  The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 50% contained. Some smoke was observed from fuels that were still smoldering, but they do not pose a threat to the containment lines as these smokes were deep within the fire’s interior.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.

Smoke: Smoke that is generated today will move north/northeast in the morning, then shift southeast mid-morning. As temperatures warm and smoke rises further into the atmosphere, smoke will be carried southwest until early evening when winds will switch and carry smoke to the east.

Important Reminders: Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to bring enough water and a shovel to completely extinguish your campfire. Fort Apache Agency wants everyone to be fire safe this Labor Day weekend.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver
Fire Cause: Lightning
Fire Size: 906 acres         
Containment: 10%
Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter
Resources: 140 incident personnel

Weather: The forecast is calling for temperatures well above normal with a slight chance of thunderstorms along with hot, dry and unstable conditions. Precipitation with storms will be limited bringing concerns of new fire starts and rapid spread due to outflow winds around any thunderstorms.

Lofer Fire: Yesterday the fire made a short uphill run that included spot fires across containment lines. Most of the fire is actively flanking and backing towards Big Bonito Creek. Crews will continue to check the fires spread along the 71 RD and prep hand and dozer lines that will help to connect road systems for indirect suppression. Crews monitored fire effects yesterday and continue to evaluate the need for firing operations to moderate fire severity to protect Apache Trout habitat and commercial timber stands.

Flash Fire:  The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 40% contained. A full suppression strategy is being used on the Flash Fire. Local roads used by crews to access the Lofer Fire are closed to public travel.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Smoke: Lofer Fire is expected to exhibit more active movement through ground fuels, and more torching of single trees and pockets of trees. Smoke from the Lofer Fire is expected to again increase as temperatures increase.

Important Reminders: The White Mountain Apache Tribe opened camping to both tribal members and non-tribal members on September 3, 2020. There are currently no fire restrictions on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, except for undeveloped campgrounds where campfires are prohibited, and the public is reminded to please be fire safe. Never leave a campfire unattended. Be sure your campfire is ‘dead out’! Pour water over the fire, stir up the ashes, and repeat the process until you can no longer feel heat generating from the campfire bed. Fort Apache Agency wants everyone to be fire safe this Labor Day weekend.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt  and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/