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 

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/ 

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/  

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.

If possible, the suggested actions to take are: close windows and use fans or alternative cooling devices, turn off swamp coolers, use filtered HVAC systems, and avoid outdoor activities. An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for today; please take necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of those around you. Roadways near the fire may see periods of heavy smoke lowering visibility, use caution when driving. https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

Today we are expecting similar weather conditions to what was seen yesterday, with above normal temperatures and thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Easterly winds are forecasted through this morning before becoming more south-southwesterly in this afternoon. Later in the day, we are expecting the chance for more outflow winds from the east/northeast. An increase in fire activity is expected to produce more smoke, and with the addition of smoke from other fires in the area, smokier conditions are also expected throughout the day into the overnight.

All communities located around the fires should anticipate hazy conditions with periods of moderate smoke. Overnight smoke will move into the drainages and low-lying areas adjacent to the fire. Smoke from wildfires to the north are expected to combine with smoke from the Griffin and Champion fires. This will cause heavier smoke impacts throughout the night into the early morning hours in the communities surrounding the fire. The heaviest of impacts are expected between 2 am and 9 am with the smoke lifting out by 10 am.

If possible, the suggested actions to take are: close windows and use fans or alternative cooling devices, turn off swamp coolers, use filtered HVAC systems, and avoid outdoor activities. An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for today; please take necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of those around you. Roadways near the fire may see periods of heavy smoke lowering visibility, use caution when driving.

The Griffin Fire is currently burning on the Tonto National Forest and the San Carlos Indian Reservation approximately 9 miles north of Globe, AZ. The fire is currently reported at approximately 61,900 acres and is 28% contained.

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.

If possible, the suggested actions to take are: close windows and use fans or alternative cooling devices, turn off swamp coolers, use filtered HVAC systems, and avoid outdoor activities. An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for today; please take necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of those around you. Roadways near the fire may see periods of heavy smoke lowering visibility, use caution when driving.

The Griffin 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

 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. 

The Griffin 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

Location: 5 miles northeast of Globe, AZ in the Apache mountains west of Hwy. 60
Cause: Lightning
Size: 60,056 acres
Percent containment: 28%
Vegetation: Grass and Brush
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

The Griffin fire is currently burning on the Tonto National Forest and the San Carlos Indian Reservation approximately 9 miles north of Globe, AZ. It is currently being reported at 38,069 acres, 32% containment. A new fire named the Champion fire started just south of the Griffin's perimeter on the San Carlos Indian Reservation. The Champion is expect to grow into the Griffin fire today. 

Yesterday drier conditions and outflow winds produced from thunderstorms in the area increased fire activity and smoke production. Northeasterly winds overnight pushed more smoke back into the Globe, Miami areas. Early this morning, all smoke monitors in the area recorded their highest readings since the fires began.

Today we are expecting similar weather conditions to what was seen yesterday, with above normal temperatures and thunderstorms in the late afternoon. There will be a slight change in the wind direction as we are forecasting south to southeast winds early today before increasing and becoming outflow driven in the early afternoon. An increase in fire activity is expected to produce more smoke, and with the addition of smoke from other fires in the area, smokier conditions are also expected throughout the day into the overnight.

All communities located around the fires should anticipate hazy conditions with periods of heavy smoke. Overnight smoke will move into the drainages and low lying areas adjacent to the fire. A northerly flow is expected to enhance the diurnal wind pattern, allowing smoke from the wildfires to the north to combine with smoke from the Griffin and Champion fires. This will cause heavier smoke impacts throughout the night into the early morning hours in the communities surrounding the fire. The heaviest of impacts are expected between 2 am and 9 am with the smoke lifting out by 10 am. Air quality is forecasted to be in the Unhealthy AQI category.

If possible, the suggested actions to take are: close windows and use fans or alternative cooling devices, turn off swamp coolers, use filtered HVAC systems, and avoid outdoor activities. A heat advisory has been issued for today; please take necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of those around you. Roadways near the fire may see periods of heavy smoke lowering visibility, use caution when driving.
 
Go to https://azdeq.gov/wildfireforecast?fire=griffinfire for the full report.