Reopened

• Hwy. 188 and SR 288 have reopened. Drivers will be escorted via pilot car though the Salt Fire Burned Area and can expect delays from E Del Rio Ln (MM216) to Sr 188 Old Alignment (MM232).

For more updates on highway closures and restrictions visit: https://www.az511.gov/

The following communities have been returned to "Ready" mode. 

• Roosevelt Resort
• Rockhouse
• Spring Creek
• Hay Hook
• Quail Run 
• Areas on both sides of State Route 188 from Bixby Road to the 188 / 288 Junction, including all of Wheatfields
  

Visit www.facebook.com/gilacohealthem/ for more information. To sign up for Gila County Emergency notifications visit https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736724090/#/signup  or call 928-402-8764.

New Areas on “Go” Evacuation Status

 
Salt Fire

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

Cause: Lightning

Size: 20,228 acres

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Sonoran Desert Grass and Brush

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Gin Fire

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

Cause: Lightning

Size: 4,849 acres

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Grass and Brush

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Griffin Fire

Location: 1.5 miles north of the Gin Fire

Cause: Lightning

Size: 6,779 acres

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Grass and Brush

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression
 
Gila Department of Emergency Management issued a “Go” evacuation notification for Wheatfields Friday afternoon. The Red Cross Evacuation Center is open at the Lee Kornegay school in Miami. Last night’s infrared flight was able to provide more accurate acreage estimates.

Fire activity

Salt Fire: Yesterday firefighters completed a burnout operation along Forest Road 225 to keep the fire north of Gerald Wash. Sustained westerly winds pushed the fire toward Hwy. 188 in this area which prompted firefighters, assisted by an air tanker and helicopters to burn out along the highway to protect the Wheatfields community. A helicopter was also used to suppress an isolated pocket of fire near powerlines on the south end of the fire. Today, crews will hold existing lines and scout for areas to put in contingency fireline near communities. Firefighters will also work to minimize impacts to the values at risk in the area which include the communities near Wheatfields and Roosevelt, Pinto Valley Mine, APS/SRP powerlines, and Hwy 188/288.

 Gin Fire: The fire was most active on the north and east sides of the fire yesterday. Crews were able to burn along a section of Forest Road 220 to extend containment lines on the south flank of the fire. They also continued clearing along Forest Road 220 to the west with heavy equipment. The southeast flank of the fire saw little movement, so fire crews were able to prepare to burn out along Forest Road 224 if necessary. Today they will monitor and hold existing fireline on forest roads 220 and 224 and look for ways to minimize impacts to US 60 on the east flank of the fire.

 Griffin Fire: The Griffin Fire crossed Highway 60 and has moved onto the San Carlos Apache Reservation. The highway remains closed in both directions from SR-73 (311) to S Vuksanovich Dr (254). Visit AZ511.gov for the latest information. Incident personnel will work to protect the Griffin and Tucker Ranches and identify opportunities to keep fire south of Forest Road 330 (Seven Mile Wash Rd.). The fire team is coordinating with fire managers from the San Carlos Apache Tribe to identify values at risk and potential holding features in the area.

 Communities Affected: As a result of the fires, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have recommended the following areas be placed on "Go" Evacuation Status: Areas on both sides of State Route 188 from Bixby Road to the 188 / 288 Junction. Including all of Wheatfields. The following communities remain on "Set" Evacuation Status: Roosevelt Estates, Roosevelt Resort, Rockhouse, Spring Creek, Hay Hook, and Quail Run. For more emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/.

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

Smoke: Smoke will lift and disperse to the southeast, with moderate smoke impacts to the communities of Miami and Globe. The heaviest impacts are expected over the San Carlos and Peridot communities as smoke from all three fires may combine in that area. Salt Wildfire Smoke Forecast can be found at: https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast?fire=saltfire

Weather: Winds are expected to be from the west from 5 to 13 mph in the afternoon with gusts to 30 mph. There is a possibility of strong outflow winds from thunderstorms in the evening. Higher humidity levels around 30 percent are anticipated today. Temperatures are predicted to reach 99 degrees with a 20 percent chance of rain. Firefighters will be dealing with erratic gusty winds as well as the potential for more lightning and down draft winds from thunderstorms.

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

Closures and Restrictions: ADOT has Hwy. 188 closed from SR 188 Old Alignment (MM232) to E Del Rio Ln (MM216). SR 288 is closed from the junction of Hwy. 188 to FR 465. Highway 60 is closed from SR-73 to S Vuksanovich Drive. For more updates on highway closures and restrictions visit: https://www.az511.gov/ https://www.az511.gov/

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/

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

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

• Gin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7017/

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

• Incident Facebook Page: : https://www.facebook.com/SaltGinGriffinFire/

Hear from the Agency Administrator, Fire Operations, Fire Behavior Specialist and the Incident Commander as they explain the plan of attack for the Salt Fire, Gin Fire and Griffin Fire.

 https://www.facebook.com/watch/SaltGinGriffinFire

 The Salt Fire is located 10 miles southeast of Roosevelt Lake near the SR-188/288 junction and is estimated at 21,000 acres. The Gin and Griffin Fire, located east of the Salt Fire, are also producing smoke.

Today and tomorrow, smoke is forecast to rise and disperse toward the east-southeast, with light to moderate impacts likely in Globe-Maimi. Light impacts are also possible in San Carlos as smoke moves over the area. There will be a continued chance of thunderstorms in the forecast, with outflow winds possible. As erratic outflows winds move over the fire, an increase in fire activity and smoke production is possible with brief periods of moderate smoke possible in areas impacted by the outflow.

Overnight, as winds weaken, expecting smoke to settle into Roosevelt and Globe-Miami. Smoke that settles into the region is expected to lift by 10 am.

Individuals who are sensitive to smoke are encouraged to be "smoke aware." If you smell smoke, you are breathing smoke; please take the necessary precautions to protect your health.

Visit https://azdeq.gov/wildfireforecast?fire=saltfire for more information about smoke.  

Order Number: 03-12-00-20-399
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
GLOBE, AND TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICTS

Salt, Gin and Griffin 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, Maricopa and Gila
Counties, 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
All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary beginning at the
intersection of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 216 and U.S. Highway (U.S.) 60, then following
northwest along the southwest edge of NFSR 216 to its intersection with Hess Canyon, then following
Hess Canyon northwest to NFSR 303, then following southwest along the eastern edge of NFSR 303 to
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 the southern bank of the Salt River in a general
southwesterly direction to Arizona State Route (SR) 288, then following the eastern edge of SR 288
in a southwesterly direction to its intersection with SR 188, then following the southwest edge of
SR 188 in a general northwesterly direction to its
intersection with NFSR 449, then following the southeastern edge of NFSR 449 in a
southwesterly direction to its intersection with NFSR 449A, then following the east edge of
NFSR 449A to the Campaign Creek trailhead for National Forest System Trail (NFST) 256 (Campaign
Creek Trail), then following the eastern edge of NFST 256 south to its intersection with NFST 212
(Miles Ranch Trail), then following the northern edge of NFST 212 east to the Miles Ranch
Trailhead, then following the northern edge of NFSR 287A east to NFSR 287, then following the
eastern edge of NFSR 287 in a general southeasterly direction to US 60, then following along the
northern and western edges of US 60 in a general northeasterly direction (excluding non-National
Forest System lands) to its intersection with NFSR 330, then following the north edge of NFSR 330
in a general southeasterly direction to its intersection with the San Carlos Apache Reservation,
then following the National Forest/San Carlos Apache Reservation boundary in a northeasterly
direction to its intersection with NFSR 2326, then following the north edge of NFSR 2326 in a
northwesterly direction back to the point of beginning at the intersection U.S. 60 and NFSR 216, as
shown in the map in Exhibit A.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to close the Restricted Area during firefighting and emergency
operations for the protection of public health and safety.

IMPLEMENTATION

1.   This Order will be effective on August 21, 2020, at  1200    , 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, or at Mesa Ranger District Office,
(480)610-3300.

Dated this 21st day of August 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona

/s/ NEIL BOSWORTH
Forest Supervisor

New Areas on “Set” and “Go” Evacuation Status

SALT FIRE
Location: 11 miles north of Globe, AZ near the junction of Hwy. 188 and SR 288
Cause:  Lightning
Percent containment:  0%
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression
Size: 21,000 acres
Vegetation:  Sonoran Desert Grass and Brush

Fire acreages are approximate, and maps are being updated as information becomes available. The overnight flight utilizing infrared imaging was not able to get an accurate acreage due to cloud cover.

FIRE ACTIVITY: The north section of the Salt Fire pushed towards Highway 188 yesterday driven by outflow winds from thunderstorms in the afternoon. The fire was most active along the southwest side of the fire where it has already crossed Hwy 188 and is moving towards Murphy Ranch Mountain. Today crews will concentrate on keeping fire from moving west toward Wheatfields, and keep the fire east of Pinal Creek and West of 188. Crews will work to minimize impacts to the values at risk in the area which include the communities near Wheatfields and Roosevelt, Pinto Valley Mine, APS/SRP powerlines, and Hwy 188/288. 

Communities Affected: As a result of the fires, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have recommended the following areas be placed on "Go" Evacuation Status: All residents on Hicks Road between H&E Ranch and Pringle Pump. The following communities are on "Set" Evacuation Status: Areas on both sides of State Route 188 from Bixby Road to the 188 / 288 Junction, including Wheatfields, Roosevelt Estates, Roosevelt Resort, Rockhouse, Spring Creek, Hay Hook, and Quail Run. For more emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/.

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

Smoke: Smoke is forecasted to rise and disperse toward the east-southeast. The Globe-Miami area and San Carlos may also be impacted by smoke depending on prevailing winds. Overnight, as winds weaken, expect smoke to settle into Roosevelt and Globe-Miami. Salt Wildfire Smoke Forecast can be found at:  https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast?fire=saltfire

Weather: Winds are expected to be from the southwest from 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon with the possibility of strong outflow winds from thunderstorms in the evening up to 30 mph. Higher humidity levels around 30 percent are anticipated today. Temperatures are predicted to reach 96 degrees with a 10 percent chance of rain. Firefighters will be dealing with erratic gusty winds as well as the potential for more lightning from thunderstorms.
Values: Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire area includes multiple communities, power lines, mines, range improvements and historical sites, which firefighters are working hard to assess and protect.

Closures and Restrictions: ADOT has Hwy. 188 closed from the north end of Wheatfields Rd. north to mile marker 232 near Roosevelt.  SR 288 is closed from the junction of Hwy. 188 to FR 465. Highway 60 is closed from SR-73 to S Vuksanovich Drive. For more updates on highway closures and restrictions visit: https://www.az511.gov/

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

Incident Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Salt-Gin-Griffin-Fire-100936588404764/?modal=admin_todo_tour  

Salt Fire

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

Cause: Lightning

Percent containment: 0%

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 13,000 acres

Vegetation: Sonoran Desert Grass and Brush

Gin Fire

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

Cause: Lightning

Percent containment: 0%

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 3,600 acres

Vegetation: Grass and Brush

Griffin Fire

Location: 1.5 miles north of the Gin Fire

Cause: Lightning

Size: 1000 acres

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Grass and Brush

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

 Fire activity:

Salt Fire: There was minimal fire activity on the east side of Hwy. 188 yesterday. There were two small spot fires near Pringle Pump and a 4-acre spot fire on the west side of SR 288 that crews were able to contain. The fire was most active west of Hwy. 188. Heavy smoke impacted the 500 KV powerlines operated by SRP and APS yesterday afternoon. They expect the fire to be active in the Granite Basin area today. Crews will work to minimize impacts to the values at risk in the area which include communities near Wheatfields and Roosevelt, Pinto Valley Mine, APS/SRP powerlines, and Hwy 188/288.

 

Gin Fire: The fire was most active on the northwest side yesterday in the Apache Mountains. Firefighters are using bulldozers and heavy equipment to clear along the existing road system to connect FR 220 to FR 224 in order to secure the southwest flank of the fire.

 

Griffin Fire: The fire backed down hill yesterday to the east. This morning the fire has moved east and is impcting State Highway 60. ADOT has temporarily closed the highway in both directions. Visit AZ511.gov for the latest information. Today crews will scout the north and east sides of the fire looking for holding features they may use to create containment lines.

 

Communities Affected: As a result of the Salt Fire, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have recommended that the following areas be placed on "SET" mode on the Ready Set, Go! model: areas on both sides of Hwy 188 from Bixby Road to the 188/288 junction all of Wheatfields. This includes the areas between H&E Ranch and Pringle Pump, Roosevelt Estates, Roosevelt Resort, Rockhouse, Spring Creek, Hay Hook, and Quail Run.

 

THESE COMMUNITIES ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY THREATENED, THE 'SET' NOTIFICATION IS A PREPARATORY MEASURE.

 

For more emergency alert information, visit http://www.readygila.com/

Smoke: Overnight smoke from all three fires has flowed down the Pinal Creek drainage and settled into the Roosevelt Lake area. Yesterday Wheatfields, and communities around Roosevelt Lake and Tonto Basin areas were most affected by smoke. The Globe-Miami area and San Carlos may also be impacted by smoke depending on prevailing winds. Salt Wildfire Smoke Forecast can be found at: https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast?fire=saltfire

 

Weather: Winds are expected to be from the southwest from 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon with the possibility of strong outflow winds from thunderstorms in the evening up to 23 mph. Temperatures will range from 74 to 97 with a 20 percent chance of rain in the afternoon.

 

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

 

Closures and Restrictions: ADOT has Hwy. 188 closed from the north end of Wheatfields Rd. north to mile marker 232 near Roosevelt. SR 288 is closed from the junction of Hwy. 188 to FR 465. For more updates on highway closures and restrictions visit: https://www.az511.gov/

 

More Info: Official information on the fire can be found on these sites. Salt Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7019/

Gin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7017/

 

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

 

Incident Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Salt-Gin-Griffin-Fire-100936588404764/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Salt Fire

The Salt Fire is located 10 miles southeast of Roosevelt Lake near the SR-188/288 junction. At 7 am this morning, a Type 2 Incident Management Team took control of the fire.

Today, smoke is forecast to rise and disperse toward the east-southeast, with light to moderate impacts possible in Globe-Maimi. Light impacts are also possible in San Carlos as smoke moves over the area.

This afternoon, there will be a chance of thunderstorms in the area, which may produce strong gusty outflow winds, resulting in increased fire behavior and smoke production. These winds could push brief periods of moderate smoke into Superior and Queen Valley.

Overnight, as winds weaken, expecting smoke to settle into Roosevelt and Globe-Miami. Smoke that settles into the region is expected to lift by 10 am. Tomorrow, we are expecting similar smoke dispersion as today.

Individuals who are sensitive to smoke are encouraged to be "smoke aware." If you smell smoke, you are breathing smoke; please take the necessary precautions to protect your health.
 
Full Smoke Forecast: https://azdeq.gov/wildfireforecast?fire=saltfire

The Tonto National Forest is currently in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These restrictions prohibit recreational target shooting.  They also prohibit campfires and charcoal BBQs outside of developed recreation and camping sites. See this order and get additional information on our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto