Although the fire is 100% contained, crews will continue to patrol the area.  Closures remain in effect at this time.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST

GLOBE, AND TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICTS

Griffin Fire Public Safety Closure Order

PROIDBITIONS

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

2.     Being on the road.   36C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3.     Being on the trail.  36 C.F.R. § 26 l.55(a).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.S0(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

All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the  intersection of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 303 and US Highway 60/77, then following north along the western edge of NFSR 303 to its intersection with NFSR 645, then following the southern edge of NFSR 645 to NFSR 346, then following the western edge of NFSR 346 to the Salt River, then following south and west along the southern edge of the Salt River to its intersection with NFSR 219, then following south along the eastern edge of NFSR 219 to its intersection with NFSR 220, the following east along the northern edge of NFSR 220 to the Gin Spring Wash, then following south along the centerline of Gin Spring Wash to its intersection with Nugget Wash, then following east along the centerline of Nugget Wash to NFSR 323, then

following south along the eastern edge of NFSR 323 to its intersection with NFSR 224, then following the eastern edge of NFSR 224 to US 60/77, then following north and east along the western edge of U.S 60/77 to its intersection with NFSR 330, then following east along the northern edge of NFSR 330 to the National Forest boundary, then following the National Forest boundary north and east to its intersection with NFSR 2326, then following west along the northern edge of NFSR 2326 to its intersection with U.S. 60/77, then following south along the eastern edge of U.S. 60/77, back to the point of beginning at its intersection with NFSR 303.

NOTE:              The following roads/road segments along the perimeter are open:

NFSRs 303, 645, 346, 219, 220, 323, 224, 330, and 2326.

PURPOSE

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

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on September 15, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2020 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

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

1. 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)).

1. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Tonto National Forest Supervisor's Office in Phoenix, Arizona, (602)225-5200, or at the Globe Ranger District Office, (928) 402-6200.

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

Dated this 15th day of September, 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona.

 Griffin, Alder, Rockhouse – September 3, 2020 Morning Update 

  Griffin Fire:      61,821 acres       100% contained                  Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush

The Griffin Fire (started 8/17) 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

Alder Fire: 633 acres                   0% contained                    Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush Started 8/27     Location: 16 miles north of San Carlos, AZ

Rockhouse Fire: 19,506 acres  37% contained                    Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush Started 8/21     Location: 22 miles southeast of San Carlos, AZ

Resources: 419 total including: 7 Crews; 17 Engines; 5 bulldozers; 7 water tenders; 7 helicopters

 Griffin Fire Contained; Another Day of Warming and Drying 

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ 

The Griffin Fire is 100% contained. This means that a control line has been completed around the entire fire perimeter with a reasonable expectation that fire will not spread beyond that point. Smoldering will continue within the fire’s perimeter until significant moisture is received over the fire area. Firefighters are nearing completion on chipping and grading to restore roads impacted by fire suppression efforts. 

Firefighters inserted by helicopter on the Alder Fire yesterday were successful in suppressing areas of heat near the fire’s edge on the ridgetop. Crews continue to monitor the fire where it is inaccessible in steep, rugged terrain. Firefighters continue to chip materials along the 1300 Road to the east of the fire. 

Firefighters used heavy equipment to improve access to areas east of the Rockhouse Fire. This will provide opportunities for firefighters to access the fire from roads if necessary in the future. Firefighters will be in the area to monitor, patrol and respond to any new fires detected. 

Significant warming and drying is predicted through the upcoming holiday weekend. Excessive heat with temperatures climbing above 100 degrees is forecasted for lower elevations. No precipitation is forecasted for the next few days. Weather conditions could allow fire behavior to pick up in the afternoon. 

Today is the last day for a South Central Arizona Smoke Outlook at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthCentralArizona. Smoke production has almost ceased. Any smoke generated will likely be within the interior of the fire as flames creep through unburned pockets of vegetation. Smoke is not likely to move far beyond the fire perimeter. Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y3xp4cy3.  

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

This region is experiencing an active fire season and all residents should consider themselves in “READY” status, be aware of hazards, and keep up to date on changing conditions. For current emergency management information, visit Gila County Emergency Management at http://www.readygila.com/ or San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission https://tinyurl.com/y50067jr. Learn more about Ready (Prepare Now) – Set (Be Alert) – Go (Evacuate) at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. 

Highway 60 is open. There is a reduced speed limit of 55 mph along Highway 60 due to firefighters working in the area. Please use caution when travelling, observe posted speed limits, and drive with lights on for safety. For current road status call 511, visit https://az511.gov/, https://www.az511.com/aout/mobileapp, or follow https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT.  

Road 1300 near Highway Tanks, SC Route 6, and Road 900 remain closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.  

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 a fire, all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/ 
 

Fire Information: 928-421-4539         Email: 2020.griffin@firenet.gov
Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/
Alder Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7113/
Rockhouse Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7103/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGinGriffinFire and https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY
Arizona Fire Information: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/ and https://ein.az.gov/
Gila County Emergency Management: http://www.readygila.com/
San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission (TERC): https://tinyurl.com/y50067jr
Interactive Fire Map: https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/ 

Griffin Fire Operations Update Video for September 2, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo

A version in Apache will also be available

Special Statement
This is the last smoke outlook for these fires.

Fire
The Griffin fire is now 100% contained (61,821 acres) and the Rockhouse is 37% contained (19,520 acres). The Alder stands at 633 acres and 0% contained. The fires will be turned over to another team soon. Visit the incident's inciweb link for the latest fire details: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/

Smoke
Smoke generation has almost ceased. Any smoke generated will not move far beyond the fire perimeter

Ozone
Ozone levels could climb in the next few days if smoke from the fires in California is transported into the area.

Griffin, Alder, Rockhouse – September 2, 2020 Morning Update

Griffin Fire:      61,822 acres       88% contained                  Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush

The Griffin Fire (started 8/17) 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

Alder Fire: 632 acres                   0% contained                    Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush Started 8/27     Location: 16 miles north of San Carlos, AZ

Rockhouse Fire: 19,520 acres  0% contained                    Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush Started 8/21     Location: 22 miles southeast of San Carlos, AZ

Resources: 496 total including: 10 Crews; 25 Engines; 7 bulldozers; 10 water tenders; 2 masticators; 5 helicopters; 2 super scoopers

Weather Forecast Predicts Return to Hot and Dry Conditions
Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’

Crews on the Griffin Fire are mulching limbs and branches removed in suppression efforts to help restore the land to its natural state and minimize potential soil erosion. Vegetation within the fire’s perimeter continues to smolder. Crews will monitor and respond to any activity near the fire’s edge to prevent perimeter growth.

Westerly breezes and sunshine are expected today. A warming and drying trend is predicted through the end of the week with temperatures well above normal by the weekend. Little or no rain is expected for the next seven days. Drying fuels could lead to increased fire behavior.

A South Central Arizona Smoke Outlook with specific smoke forecasts for various communities is available at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthCentralArizona. Strong west winds are expected to push smoke to the east toward Bylas today, with similar but lighter winds tomorrow. Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y3xp4cy3.

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, and ceremonial sites; and natural resources. We are working with nearby Incident Management Teams and agency administrators to share resources where they are needed most.

This region is experiencing an active fire season and all residents should consider themselves in “READY” status, be aware of hazards, and keep up to date on changing conditions. For current emergency management information, visit Gila County Emergency Management at http://www.readygila.com/ or San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission https://tinyurl.com/y50067jr. Learn more about Ready (Prepare Now) – Set (Be Alert) – Go (Evacuate) information at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.
 

There is a reduced speed limit of 55 mph along Highway 60 due to firefighters working in the area. Please use caution when travelling, observe posted speed limits, and drive with lights on for safety. For current road status call 511, visit https://az511.gov/, https://www.az511.com/aout/mobileapp, or follow https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT. 

Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, and Road 900 remain closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

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 a fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/
 

Fire Information: 928-421-4539         Email: 2020.griffin@firenet.gov

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

Alder Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7113/

Rockhouse Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7103/

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

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

Gila County Emergency Management: http://www.readygila.com/

San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission (TERC): https://tinyurl.com/y50067jr

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

Fire
On Tuesday there was minimal growth on the Griffin-Alder (62,454 acres, 88% containment) and the Rockhouse (19,520 acres, 0% containment) fires. They will be watched closely because the fuels are drying out and fire activity could increase. Visit the incident's inciweb link for the latest fire details: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/

Smoke
Strong west winds expected today will push smoke to the east. Similar but lighter winds tomorrow. Expect similar smoke conditions as the last two days. Long term outlook shows trends toward hot and dry conditions. 

Ozone
Ozone is expected to continue in the Moderate category. Ozone is currently driving the AQI ratings versus fine particulates (PM2.5)

Griffin Fire Operations Update Video for September 1, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo

A version in Apache will not be available today

Griffin, Alder, Rockhouse, Juniper Fires – September 1, 2020 Morning Update

Griffin Fire:      61,822 acres       81% contained                  Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush
The Griffin Fire (started 8/17) 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

Alder Fire: 632 acres                   0% contained                    Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush Started 8/27     
Location: 16 miles north of San Carlos, AZ

Rockhouse Fire: 19,506 acres  0% contained                    Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush Started 8/21     
Location: 22 miles southeast of San Carlos, AZ

Juniper Fire: 2,867 acres            100% contained               Cause: Under Investigation          Vegetation: Grass and Brush
Started 8/24     Location: 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt, AZ

Resources: 472 total including: 8 Crews; 34 Engines; 6 bulldozers; 11 water tenders; 2 masticators; 5 helicopters; 2 super scoopers

Highway 60 Reopened; All areas back to “READY” statusKo’ Ba Nagoni i’
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has reopened US Highway 60 between Globe and SR 73. There is a reduced speed limit of 55 mph due to firefighters working in the area. Please use caution when travelling, observe posted speed limits, and drive with lights on for safety. For current road status call 511, visit https://az511.gov/, https://www.az511.com/about/mobileapp or follow https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT.

Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, and Road 900 remain closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

As a result of successful firefighting efforts on the Griffin Fire, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office and Gila County Emergency Management determined it is safe for residents to return to all areas on the east side of US Highway 60, north from the ADOT yard to Winters Ranch, including all residents of Fairgrounds Road, Winters Ranch, and Johnson Ranch. Residents in this area should consider themselves in “READY” status, be aware of hazards, and keep up to date on changing conditions. For current emergency management information, visit Gila County Emergency Management at http://www.readygila.com  or San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission https://tinyurl.com/y50067jr. Learn more about Ready (Prepare Now) – Set (Be Alert) – Go (Evacuate) information at  https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.

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, and 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 weather forecast for today includes an elevated chance for scattered thunderstorms with strong outflow winds and lightning. After today, high pressure will build in the area,
Resulting in a warming and drying trend through the end of the week.

Crews on the Griffin Fire are working today to repair areas affected by fire suppression efforts. This includes grading roads, repairing dozer lines, and chipping woody debris. There is minimal smoldering within the Griffin Fire.

The Alder Fire is active with uphill runs possible when the sun shines on the hillside and winds expose the heat. Fireline has been constructed to prevent further spread to the northeast. If conditions allow, a helitack crew may be inserted in the northwest part of the fire to work in otherwise inaccessible terrain.

The Rockhouse fire is active on the northwest, south, and east ends. Helicopters may be used to transport firefighters to respond to fire activity. Two amphibious water scoopers, also known as super scoopers, are available to drop water on these areas.

The Juniper Fire and Starlight Fire are 100% contained.

A South Central Arizona Smoke Outlook with specific smoke forecasts for various communities is available on https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthCentralArizona. Strong west/southwest winds over the next few days are predicted to push smoke to the east. The Bylas area may be the most affected today. Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y3xp4cy3.

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 a fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. knowbeforeyoufly.org

Fire Information: 928-421-4539 (public)      928-421-4579 (media)    Email: 2020.griffin@firenet.gov
Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/
Alder Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7113/
Rockhouse Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7103/
Juniper Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7106/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGinGriffinFire/ and https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/
Arizona Fire Information: https://wildlandfire.az.gov and https://ein.az.gov/
Gila County Emergency Management: http://www.readygila.com/
San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission (TERC): https://tinyurl.com/y50067jr
Interactive Fire Map: https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/

Fire
On Monday there was minimal growth on the Griffin-Alder (62,454 acres, 81% containment) fire and the Juniper fire was contained. The Rockhouse (19,506 acres, 0% containment) also showed minimal growth Monday but will be watched closely over the next couple days due to its potential to grow. Smoke from this fire and the nearby Light fire could affect Bylas.

Smoke
Slight chance of thunderstorms today. Concern for storms to create dry lightning. Strong west/southwest winds expected today and tomorrow pushing smoke to the east. Some wetting rain received on the Rockhouse otherwise none fell on fires in previous days. Long term outlook brings back hot and dry conditions.

Ozone
Ozone is expected to continue in the Moderate or Good categories. Ozone is currently driving the AQI ratings versus fine particulates (PM2.5)