Bush Fire Update, Monday, June 15, 2020

Gila County Sheriff has placed residents in Tonto Basin/Punkin Center in Go Status

Location: 22 miles NE of Mesa, AZ

Start date: Saturday, June 13, 2020

Cause: Human caused, vehicle fire

Size: 37,900 acres

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Tall grass and brush

On Monday morning, June 15, 2020, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office placed Tonto Basin/Punkin Center from Highway 188 and A-Cross Road to Highway 188 at Rambo Realty in Go Status.  This includes all residents on both sides of the highway, and both sides of the creek are now being asked to Go.  Visit www.facebook.com/gilacohealthem/ for the latest information for residents living in these areas.

The Southwest Area Team Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the Bush Fire from the Tonto National Forest this morning, freeing local firefighters to rest and be available for any new fire starts.

Fire activity:  Last night the fire perimeter was mapped with the use of an infrared equipped aircraft, giving fire managers a more accurate fire size.  The Bush fire was most active on the northeast side, moving toward Tonto Basin/Punkin Center.  This growth was fueled by hot and dry weather, combined with an abundant crop of dry grass.  A Bush Fire Facebook page has been set up and can be found at https://www.facebook.com/bushfireinfo  The Southwestern Incident Management Team is being assisted by Tonto National Forest, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Maricopa and Gila County Sheriffs Offices, Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and SRP.  No structures have been damaged. Infrastructure protection for State Highway 87, powerlines, private property, and sensitive recreation and heritage resources continue to be priorities for firefighting efforts. Smoke will continue to be seen in the east Phoenix metropolitan valley, with heavy smoke impacting the Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake areas, along with recreation sites along the lower Salt River.

Safety: Additional firefighters are arriving to assist with fire suppression efforts.  Due to increased fire activity and increased personnel near Tonto Basin/Punkin Center, please stay away from State Highway 188 to allow residents to safely leave the area.  The Beeline Highway, northbound State Route 87 remains closed at the intersection of Bush Highway and the southbound lanes of SR 87 is closed before the SR 188 junction.  Please avoid these areas.

Weather:  Hot and dry weather is expected for the next several days with winds out of the Southwest.  Tuesday may bring red flag conditions which will cause additional challenges for firefighters.

Values:  Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on the Bush Fire.  The fire area includes multiple communities, state highways, communication sites and power lines which firefighters are working hard to protect.

Road and Area Closures:  Highway 188 between SR 87 and Globe is temporarily closed to allow for the safe travel of residents out of the area.  State Route 87, Beeline Highway, is closed from the junction of Bush Highway to above the SR 188 junction near Payson.  Please visit https://az511.com/ for current information about highway closures.

Recreation Closures:  The roads leading to Sugarloaf, Four Peaks, Lower Sycamore, The Rolls, Pobrecito, Butcher Jones, Saguaro Del Norte, and Saguaro Lake are closed at this time.  Remember, wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can't!

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bushfireinfo

For current closure information visit the Tonto National Forest Website

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE TONTO NATIONAL FOREST

GLOBE, TONTO BASIN AND MESA RANGER DISTRICTS

Bush 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. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS

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

Order:

1.      Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

2.       Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

RESTRICTED AREA

All National Forest System lands contained within the following area. Beginning at the intersection of SR 87 and Bush Hwy, proceeding south along the west side of SR 87 and proceeding south and west around the private property at Goldfield Estates to the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation boundary, then north along the reservation boundary to NFSR 1849, then northeast along NFSR 1849 to NFSR 403, then following the west side of NFSF 403 to the west side of NFSR 1852, then following NFSR 1852 to NFSR 1096, then following the west side of NFSR 1096 to NFSR 160, then following the north side of NFSR 160 to the east side of SR 87, then north along the east side of SR 87 to AZ state hwy. 188, then southeast along west side of Hwy 188, to Roosevelt dam, then southwest along the North side of the Salt River and the chain of lakes to Saguaro Lake Marina, the west to the NFSR 206, following the south side of NFSR 206 to Bush Hwy., then following the east side of Bush Hwy to the starting point on the west side of SR 87.

Note: This order does not close any state highways, but ADOT/DPS have closed portions of SR 88 and SR87 on their own accord.

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 in effect at _0600 . on June 14, 2020 and shall remain in effect until July 31, 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  14th day of June, 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona.

Neil Bosworth
Forest Supervisor
Tonto National Forest

For up to date traffic and road closures please visit  https://www.az511.com/

The Tonto Basin/Punkin Center from Highway 188 and A-Cross Road to Highway 188 at Rambo Realty, which includes all residents on both sides of the highway, and both sides of the creek are now placed in GO mode in the Ready, Set, Go model. For more information on the evacuation please call Gila County Health and Emergency Management at (928) 402-8888.

GO! =  Evacuate

Danger in your area is imminent and life threatening.

• Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
• If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
• Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.

The following areas are currently closed.

• Sugarloaf Recreation Area
• Four Peaks Recreation Area 
• Lower Sycamore Recreation Area
• The Rolls
• Pobrecito Recreation Area
• Butcher Jones Recreation Area
• Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area
• Saguaro Lake 
• The Roosevelt Lake recreation sites along Highway 188 north of Roosevelt Dam
  

Due to the fire’s growth and movement, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office has put the communities of Punkin Center and Tonto Basin into a SET notification.

SET is a pre-evacuation status and residents need to know there is significant danger in the area. Get ready by packing a ‘go bag’ which includes items like, prescriptions, important documents, money, clothing, food, and other essential items.

Bush Fire PM Update - June 14, 2020

Size: 14,371 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Human Caused

Bush Fire increase to 14,371 acres and continues to grow, Punkin Center and Tonto Basin in SET notification

The Bush Fire on the Tonto National Forest increased in size to 14,371 and remains at 0% containment. The fire growth is being driven by hot, dry and windy conditions and an excess of grass and brush growth.

Due to the fire’s growth and movement, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office has put the communities of Punkin Center and Tonto Basin into a SET notification.SET is a pre-evacuation status and residents need to know there is significant danger in the area. Get ready by packing a ‘go bag’ which includes items like, prescriptions, important documents, money, clothing, food, and other essential items.

Two strike teams, which consist of a total of ten engines and two water tenders, are being ordered to provide structure protection to both communities.

The fire is burning into the Four Peaks Wilderness, northeast of State Highway 87. Weather forecasts for the fire area will continue to be hot, dry and windy. Firefighters will continue full suppression tactics. Public and firefighter safety are top priority for suppression strategies on the Bush Fire.

A Type 2 Southwest Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Mark Bernal, takes over command of the fire at 6:00am tomorrow. 

Resources on the fire include 11 engines, 3 hotshot crews, 2 helicopters, and 1 air attack. Multiple airtankers are available as needed. Firefighters and air support will continue to focus on building containment lines. The Tonto National Forest is being assisted by Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and SRP.

No structures have been damaged. Infrastructure protection for State Highway 87, powerlines, private property, and sensitive recreation and heritage resources continue to be priorities for firefighting efforts.
Smoke will continue to be seen in the east Phoenix metropolitan valley, with heavy smoke impacting the Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake areas, along with recreation sites along the lower Salt River.

State Highway 87 is closed from State Highway 188 to the Bush Highway. Sugarloaf, Four Peaks, Lower Sycamore, The Rolls, Pobrecito, Butcher Jones, and Saguaro Del Norte recreation areas are all closed at this time.

Ready, Set, Go is a nationwide program that educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to take follow when communities are threatened. Register for emergency alerts at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.

Remember, wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can't!

Bush Fire Update - June 14, 2020
Size: 7,745
Containment: 0%
Start Date: June 13, 2020
Cause: Human Caused

Bush Fire grows to 7,745 acres, full suppression tactics employed 
 
PHOENIX, June 14, 2020 — The Bush Fire on the Tonto National Forest grew to 7,745 acres overnight and remains at 0% containment.
 
The fire is burning northeast and west of State Highway 87 in the Sugarloaf and Four Peaks Recreation areas. Weather forecasts for the fire area include hot, dry and windy conditions. Firefighters will continue assessing the fire to determine suppression tactics.
 
Resources on the fire include 11 engines, 3 hotshot crews, 2 helicopters, and 1 air attack. Multiple airtankers are available as needed. Firefighters will focus on building containment lines today, and extinguishing hot spots where possible. Public and firefighter safety are top priority for suppression strategies on the Bush Fire. The Tonto National Forest is being assisted by Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, SRP, and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
 
The fire is human-caused and remains under investigation. No structures have been damaged, and none are threatened at this time. Infrastructure protection for State Highway 87, powerlines, private property, and sensitive recreation and heritage resources are priorities for firefighting.
 
State Highway 87 is closed from State Highway 188 to the Bush Highway. Sugarloaf, Four Peaks, Lower Sycamore, Pobrecito, Butcher Jones, and Saguaro Lake recreation areas are all closed at this time. Remaining recreation sites along the Lower Salt River, including the Salt River Tubing Center, are open as capacity allows.

Heavy smoke will impact the Lower Salt River area today, and alternative recreation activities and locations are advised, especially for those with any breathing issues.
 
A Type 2 Southwest Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Mark Bernal, has been ordered for the fire.
 
Remember, Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can't! 

Fire containment is 80%, estimated 40 acres. SEATS were utilized earlier in the day on this fire and were very effective. Crews will continue to mop up and patrol containment lines.

This will be the last fire update pending a significant change in fire activity

Fire Summary: The Lump Gulch Fire was reported on June 13th in north Jefferson County near Sheep Mountain. On initial attack, firefighters worked in challenging weather conditions and heavy fuel loads to establish an anchor point and build containment lines.  Currently, 92 personnel from local and county fire departments, the Montana DNRC, and the USFS are assigned to the fire. It includes three 20-person hand crews, one feller buncher, and one helicopter. Snags continue to pose a safety threat, as the fire is in heavy beetle-killed timber with significant dead and down fuel loading. 

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior and fire spread are minimal. Smoke may be visible in weeks to come because of there being patches of unburned fuel within the interior of the fire.

Weather: Partly cloudy today and tomorrow with stray showers/thunderstorms possible

Planned Actions: At noon, the Type 3 Central Montana IMT will transition to an Incident Commander Type 4 from the local unit. Fire crews will continue to build and reinforce containment and access lines on the east and west sides of the fire as well as begin work clearing evacuation routes should they be needed for future operations. 

Evacuations & Closures: Currently, there are no evacuation or pre-evacuation orders in place.  There is a permanent area closure on USFS land near the active timber sale. 

Fire location: North Jefferson County  

Start date: June 13th   
Protection: DNRC & USFS
Ownership: USFS, BLM, State, & Private 
Incident Commander: Shane Martin/Adon Hahn  
Size: 1,073 acres (estimated) 
Fuels: Standing dead and down timber, rocky outcrops and grass intermixed throughout.  
Containment: 65%
Cause: Power lines 
Interagency Resources:
2 type 1 hand crews (‘hotshots’)
1 type 2 initial attack crews
1 helicopter   
1 feller buncher  

Total Personnel: 92 

Facebook: Jefferson County Montana Sheriff's Office, Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's Office, Montana DNRC, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest 

Preparedness Message: Are you prepared for an evacuation? -Practice two escape routes -Designate an emergency meeting location -Assemble a “Go Bag” with emergency supplies -Keep fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them -Have a plan for your animals