This will be the FINAL video update for Meddler.
Meddler Operations Update Video for August 30, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo

There is also an option to watch the video in Apache.

Griffin, Alder, Meddler, Rockhouse, Juniper Fires – August 30, 2020 Morning Update

  Griffin, Meddler, Alder, Rock House , Juniper Fires – August 29, 2020 Morning Update 

Griffin Fire: 61, 995 acres 44% contained    Cause: Lightning 
Grass and Brush The Griffin Fire (started 8/17) has merged with the Gin Fire (started 8/16) and Champion Fire (started 8/23). Location: 5 miles northeast of Globe, AZ in the Apache mountains west of Hwy 60 

Meddler Fire: 4,452 acres   84% contained  Cause: Under Investigation  
Grass and Brush Started 8/24 Location: 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt, AZ. 

Rockhouse Fire: 7,805 acres 0% contained Cause: Lightning
Grass and Brush Started 8/21 Location: 22 miles southeast of San Carlos, AZ. 

Resources: 456 total including: 8 Crews; 31 Engines; 5 bulldozers; 11 water tenders; 5 helicopters, 2 masticators 
 

Outflow Winds and Flash Flooding a Concern with Thunderstorms Today
Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ 
 

Strong gusty winds may accompany thunderstorms with sudden changes of wind direction. A flash flood watch is in effect this afternoon through tonight. Dry washes and valley drainages should be avoided during heavy rain. Flash floods can occur within minutes after the onset of a rainstorm. Even areas that are not traditionally flood-prone are at risk after a wildfire, due to changes to the landscape caused by fire. Learn more: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

Highway 60 remains closed between Globe and Show Low. Firefighters are constructing direct and indirect fireline on the Griffin Fire where possible and may have to conduct burnout operations using the roadway as an anchor to keep the fire east of the Highway.  

West of Highway 60 crews will monitor and hold existing firelines and continue prep in the Tucker Ranch area. The portion of the Griffin Fire west of Highway 60 has been inactive over the last several days. 

The south flank of the fire on the San Carlos Reservation has been inactive the past few days. Crews will continue to hold and monitor lines in this area. 

Minimal fire activity has been observed on the Salt Fire and Meddler Fires. Management of the Salt Fire has been turned back to the Tonto National Forest. Three engines continue to monitor and patrol firelines on the Meddler Fire.  

The Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Alder, Juniper, and Rockhouse Fires.  Juniper Fire is approximately 20 miles east of San Carlos. It started 8/27. The lightning caused Alder Fire (120 acres) is burning northeast of the Griffin Fire between the fire’s edge and the 1300 road contingency line. It started 8/27. The fire will be monitored by air today as managers asses access to the remote area and develop strategies to protect values at risk. 

The Rockhouse Fire is burning in remote location 3.5 miles southeast of San Carlos Reservoir. The fire is threatening powerlines that provide electricity to the San Carlos community. An Air Attack plane and two super scooper aircraft will be working to help protect values at risk in the area. 

Fire activity and movement will continue to be driven by dry fuels, terrain, slope and potential of winds from thunderstorms through the area. We are expecting higher temperatures and lower humidity over the fire area for the next several days. The chance of afternoon thunderstorm buildup and outflow winds will remain a concern for public and firefighter safety.  

Firefighters are focused on protecting values at risk where they can do so safely and effectively. Challenges include extreme temperatures, steep and remote terrain, flash flooding, lightning and outflow winds associated with thunderstorms. Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority. Firefighters are working to protect local communities, power lines, mines, range improvements, historical, cultural, ceremonial sites and natural resources. We are working with nearby Incident Management Teams and agency administrators to share resources where they are needed most. 

The communities along the east side of Highway 60 (north of Globe) from ADOT yard north to Winters Ranch including Johnson Ranch and McMillianville remain in a “Go” evacuation Status. The San Carlos communities of Upper Gilson and Skill Center have returned to “Ready” status. For emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/. Ready (Prepare Now) – Set (Be Alert) – Go (Evacuate) Info: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

A South Central Arizona Smoke Outlook is available on https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthCentralArizona. Clouds building in on Saturday may lead to rain today and Sunday. Valley winds until Saturday afternoon and then 

generally from the west. Outflow winds from storms will add an additional level of variability. Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://tinyurl.com/y3xp4cy3 

Highway 60 is closed north of Globe from S. Parker Street (MM251) north to MM318. Highways 188 and 288 are open.  

Call 511, visit https://az511.gov or https://www.az511.com/about/mobileapp for current road status information.  

Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, Road 900, are closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Please be careful while driving in the fire area as firefighters are working along roadways and travelling through communities to reach the fires. 

The Tonto National Forest has issued Public Safety Closure Orders for the areas impacted by these fires. Visit  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices for details. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions are in effect. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Fire Information: 928-421-4539 (public)      928-421-4579 (media)  

Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/  

Meddler Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7072/ 

Alder Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov 

Rockhouse Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov 

Juniper Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGinGriffinFire/ and     https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/ 

Arizona Fire Information: https://wildlandfire.az.gov 

Interactive Fire Map: https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/ 

Arizona Emergency Information Network: https://ein.az.gov/ 

The Meddler Fire Operations Update Video for August 29, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo 

There is also an option to watch the video in Apache.

Griffin Fire: 61, 869 acres          28% contained          Cause: Lightning          Grass and Brush 

  The Griffin Fire (started 8/17) has merged with the Gin Fire (started 8/16) and Champion Fire (started 8/23). 

  Location: 5 miles northeast of Globe, AZ in the Apache mountains west of Hwy 60 
 

Salt Fire: 21,670 acres           71% contained           Cause: Lightning          Desert Grass and Brush 

  Started 8/17      Location: 11 miles north of Globe, AZ near the junction of Hwy. 188 and SR 288 
 

Meddler Fire: 4,452 acres          20% contained          Cause: Under Investigation           Grass and Brush 

  Started 8/24     Location: 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt, AZ.  
 

Resources: 416 total including: 10 Crews; 28 Engines; 6 bulldozers; 6 water tenders; 4 helicopters 

Rain Temporarily Slows Fire Activity in Areas; Firefighters Respond to New Lightning Starts 

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ 

Portions of the Griffin Fire received minimal precipitation the past two evenings which temporarily helped reduce fire activity in those areas. East of Highway 60 firefighters will take advantage of reduced fire activity to construct direct fireline where possible and prepare contingency fireline along existing roads and dozer line to secure the north and east flanks of the fire.  Highway 60 remains closed between Globe and Show Low, firefighters are constructing direct and indirect fireline where possible and may have to conduct burnout operations using the roadway as an anchor to keep the fire east of the Highway. 

West of Highway 60 crews will monitor and hold existing firelines and prep the area around Tucker Ranch. The portion of the Griffin Fire west of Highway 60 has been inactive over the last several days. 

The south flank of the fire on the San Carlos Reservation has been inactive the past few days. Crews will continue to hold and monitor lines in this area.  

There was a new lightning fire discovered yesterday evening northeast of the Griffin Fire between the fire’s edge and the 1300 road contingency line. Crews will assess that fire this morning and determine how to best to protect values at risk in the area. Two super scooper aircraft will be assisting the nearby  Rockhouse Fire today. Firefighters are prepared to respond to potential new starts from recent lightning storms as needed. 

Fire activity and movement will continue to be driven by dry fuels, terrain, slope and potential of winds from thunderstorms through the area. We are expecting higher temperatures and lower humidity over the fire area for the next several days. The chance of afternoon thunderstorm buildup and outflow winds will remain a concern for public and firefighter safety. 

Minimal fire activity has been observed on the Salt Fire and Meddler Fires. Firefighters continue to monitor the Salt Fire and three engines continue to monitor and patrol firelines on the Meddler Fire.  

Firefighters are focused on protecting values at risk where they can do so safely and effectively. Challenges include extreme temperatures, steep and remote terrain, and lightning and outflow winds associated with thunderstorms. Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority.  Firefighters are working to protect local communities, power lines, mines, range improvements, historical, cultural, ceremonial sites and natural resources. Fire managers are working with nearby Incident Management Teams and agency administrators to share resources where they are needed most.  

The communities along the east side of Highway 60 (north of Globe) from ADOT yard north to Winters Ranch including Johnson Ranch and McMillianville remain in a “Go” evacuation Status. The San Carlos communities of Upper Gilson and Skill Center have returned to “Ready” status. For emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/. Ready-Set-Go Evacuation Information Program: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go  

Today and tomorrow, smoke during the afternoon is expected to move toward the east/southeast with light to moderate impacts likely through the day in San Carlos and Peridot. There will be a continued chance for afternoon thunderstorms along with gusty outflow winds. As outflows move through the region, fire activity may increase, resulting in more smoke production. Outflow winds may also push brief pockets of moderate to heavy smoke into Globe-Miami and Roosevelt. Expect hazy conditions with periods of light to moderate smoke impacts for all communities surrounding the fires. Overnight smoke will move into the drainages and low lying areas adjacent to the fire. Smoke from the Medicine Fire is expected to combine with smoke from the Griffin Fire, causing heavier smoke impacts throughout the night into the early morning hours in San Carlos, Peridot, and possibly Globe-Miami. The heaviest of impacts are expected between 2 am and 9 am with the smoke lifting out by 10 am. For the latest Wildfire Smoke Forecast visit https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast. 

Highway 60 is closed north of Globe from S. Parker Street (MM251) north to MM318. Highways 188 and 288 are open. Visit https://az511.gov or call 511 for current status. Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, Road 900, are closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Please be careful while driving in the fire area as firefighters are working along roadways and travelling through communities to reach the fires.  

The Tonto National Forest has issued a Public Safety Closure Order for the areas impacted by these fires. More info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7019/, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7020/, and https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7072/  

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Fire Information: 928-421-4539 (public)           928-421-4579 (media) 

Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/  

Salt Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7019/ 

Meddler Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7072/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGinGriffinFire/ and https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/  

Highway Closures and Restrictions: Call 511 or visit https://www.az511.gov/  

The Meddler Fire Operations Update Video for August 28, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo 

There is also an option to watch the video in Apache

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
GLOBE, AND TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICTS

Meddler 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, Gila County, Arizona.

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

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 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 intersection of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 203 and Arizona State Route (SR) 288, then following north on the east side of SR 288 to its intersection with NFSR 189, then following north on the northwest side of NFSR 189 to the Sierra Ancha Wilderness boundary, then following the Sierra Ancha Wilderness boundary east and north approximately 9 miles to the Devils Chasm, then following south along the east side of NFSR 203 for approximately 1.5 miles to Cherry Creek, then following south along the east side of Cherry Creek for approximately 10 miles to the Salt River, then following west along the Salt River to the SR 288 bridge, then following north along the east edge of SR 288 north back to the point of beginning at its intersection with NFSR 203. Order Number: 03-12-06-20-401

Arizona State Route 288 is not closed by this order but may be affected by other orders. NFSR 189 is closed from ASR 288 to the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Boundary. NFSR 203 is closed from the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Boundary to ASR 288.

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 28, 2020, at 6:00 a.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 (see16 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,or at 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
NEIL BOSWORTH
Forest Supervisor

 Griffin – Meddler – Salt Fires, August 27, 2020 Morning Update 

Salt Fire                                                                                                                                                                 Cause: Lightning                             Percent containment: 71%
Location: 11 miles north of Globe, AZ near the junction of Hwy. 188 and SR 288                 Size: 20,838 acres                       
Vegetation: Sonoran Desert Grass and Brush 
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression 

Griffin Fire 
Location: 5 miles northeast of Globe, AZ in the Apache mountains west of Hwy. 60              Cause: Lightning                             Percent containment: 28%
Vegetation: Grass and Brush                                                                                                                           Size: 60,075 acres  
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression 

Meddler Fire                                                                                                                                                       Cause: Under Investigation                                  Percent containment: 20%
Location: 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt, AZ                                                                                          Size: 5,142 acres 
Vegetation: Grass and Brush 
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression 

Resources: 537 total including: 12 Crews; 35 Engines; 5 bulldozers; 11 water tenders; 6 helicopters 

Griffin Fire Grows to Northeast  Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ 

Last night a thunderstorm moved across the southern portion of the Griffin Fire bringing lightning and some rain. An “Initial Attack” contingent of firefighters from the team are on standby to respond to any new fires in the area that may result from the lightning. 

Take the time to become familiar with the Ready-Set-Go Evacuation information before you see smoke in your community.  More information is available at: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

 Overview 

• The communities along the east side of Highway 60 (north of Globe) from ADOT yard north to Winters Ranch including Johnson Ranch and McMillianville are in a “Go” evacuation Status. 

• The San Carlos communities of Upper Gilson and Skill Center have returned to “Ready” Status. 

• Highway 60 is closed north of Globe from S. Parker Street (MM251) north to MM318 www.az511.gov  

• Fire activity and movement will continue to be driven by dry fuels, terrain, slope and potential of winds from thunderstorms through the area. We are expecting higher temperatures and lower humidity over the fire area for the next several days. The chance of afternoon thunderstorm buildup and outflow winds will remain a concern for public and firefighter safety. 

• Highways 188 and 288 are open. 

• Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, Road 900, and Indian Route 6, Old San Carlos Highway, are closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Please be careful while driving in the fire area as firefighters are working along roadways and travelling through communities to reach the fires. 

UPDATE 

Griffin Fire (merged with Champion Fire): 

The fire continued to exhibit active fire behavior yesterday. Residual heat and overnight fire spread contributed to an active fire edge that increased in fire activity early in the shift. The northeast flank continues to be very active north of the Sevenmile Mountains in heavy brush and timber. An active edge of fire from Winters Ranch south down the Hwy 60 corridor continued to advance to the west. As winds switched to the west-southwest in the mid-afternoon fire behavior began to moderate and push away from Highway 60. Winds are forecast to be from the southwest today from 5-10 mph with gusts to 15 mph with the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. 

Today, firefighters are in place to help protect residences and other values at risk in the Highway 60 corridor and will build direct line and burn out if necessary, along the east side of Highway 60 to keep the fire from crossing the highway. Crews were able to secure the south flank of the fire and will hold and improve those firelines today. On the east side of the fire, firefighters will build direct line where possible and continue to prepare contingency lines from the Cassadore Springs Fire scar south to the Quail Fire scar. On the northwest corner, west of Highway 60 firefighters continue to protect the Griffin, Winters, McMillianville, Adobe, Haystack and Tucker Ranches and keep fire south of FR 303 (Sevenmile Wash Rd). Please continue to be on the lookout for fire equipment and personnel as they drive through San Carlos and the Sevenmile communities to access the fires. 

Communities Affected: 

The communities along the east side of Highway 60 from the ADOT yard north to Winters Ranch, including Johnson Ranch and McMillianville are in a “Go” evacuation Status. 
The following communities on San Carlos Reservation have moved from “Set” to “Ready” status: Upper Gilson and Skill Center. 
For emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/. 

Meddler Fire: 

Minimal fire activity was observed on the fire yesterday. Crews will hold and improve fireline along FR 203 on the north edge of the fire and hold the fire along a two-track road on the east flank as well. Firefighters are working to mitigate threats to 5 residences, 10 outbuildings, and 500kV powerlines.  Structure prep work is being conducted in the Rockhouse Community, Dagger Ranch, and Coon Creek Ranch. 

Salt Fire: 

Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter. Occasional smoke, flames and ash whirls from within the burned area may be visible from the highway and nearby communities. 

Roosevelt Lake Recreation: 

Roosevelt Lake and adjacent recreation sites remains open to the public, with the exception of Bermuda Flat, Cholla Bay, and Bachelor’s Cove which are closed due to concerns for potential flooding after the Bush Fire earlier this summer. 

Griffin and Salt fires Smoke Report: 

Today and tomorrow, smoke during the afternoon is expected to move toward the east/southeast with light to moderate impacts likely through the day in San Carlos and Peridot. There will be a continued chance for afternoon thunderstorms along with gusty outflow winds. As outflows move through the region, fire activity may increase, resulting in more smoke production. Outflow winds may also push brief pockets of moderate to heavy smoke into Globe-Miami and Roosevelt. Expect hazy conditions with periods of light to moderate smoke impacts for all communities surrounding the fires. 

Overnight smoke will move into the drainages and low lying areas adjacent to the fire. Smoke from the Medicine Fire is expected to combine with smoke from the Griffin Fire, causing heavier smoke impacts throughout the night into the early morning hours in San Carlos, Peridot, and possibly Globe-Miami. The heaviest of impacts are expected between 2 am and 9 am with the smoke lifting out by 10 am. https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast 

Closures and Restrictions: The Tonto National Forest has issued a Public Safety Closure Order for the area impacted by these fires, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7019/  

Values: Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire area includes multiple communities, power lines, mines, range improvements, historical, cultural, ceremonial sites and natural resources, which firefighters are working hard to assess and protect. 

More Info: Official information on the fire can be found on these sites. 

The Meddler Fire Operations Update Video for August 27, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo

The Meddler Fire continues to burn on the Tonto Basin Ranger District. The fire is burning in the Cherry Creek area off FS Road 203, 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt. The fire is burning in grass and light brush. More accurate mapping shows the fire at 3,400 acres, o% containment this evening.Firefighters are working to mitigate threats to 5 residences, 10 outbuildings, and 500kV powerlines. Structure prep work is being conducted in the Rockhouse Community, Dagger Ranch, and Coon Creek Ranch. There are no evacuations in effect for the Meddler Fire at this time. Firefighters worked through the evening to construct containment lines. A successful burnout operation helped to secure the west side of the fire last night. Visibility issues have hindered the safe use of aviation resources at times. Ground crews are working to suppress the fire and build containment lines where safe. Strong winds and light fuels have been a challenge for firefighters. Day shift tomorrow will focus on direct and indirect suppression strategies. Firefighters will continue to assess and prep structures. At this time, there are 7 engines, 2 hand crews, and aircraft when available assigned to the fire. Additional resources have been requested. Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 will take command of the Meddler Fire tomorrow evening. Please avoid the fire area. Multiple fire units are responding to the area to perform suppression operations, transport personnel, and deliver equipment. Updates will be posted as information becomes available.Everyone should be familiar with Arizona's Ready, Set, Go! Program. Find more info at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-goStage 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