Bringham Fire - June 26 - 28, 2020 Update

Highway 191 remains closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 past Juan Miller Road and Mile Marker 225 at Blue Vista. This closure will remain in place through July 4, 2020 and may be extended as needed. Members of the public are advised to drive with caution and leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles and equipment to pass. More information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.

On Thursday, fire crews utilized helicopter resources to suppress hot spots along the fires perimeter and reduce its spread towards VT Cabin. These aerial resources are also being utilized to evaluate additional suppression needs in Strayhorse Canyon. On Thursday, a small area of the fire line was breached in Strayhorse Canyon, but helicopters were able to cool it down with bucket drops. Today lookouts will be posted to keep a watchful eye on the Blue River Ranches north east of the Bringham fire. Hot and dry weather will continue today with winds nearing Red Flag conditions. The weather is expected to be more active through the weekend with isolated dry thunderstorms in the forecast.

Ash flow from post-fire events can have detrimental impacts on aquatic species and sometimes results in fish kill. To mitigate this potential, two federally endangered and one Forest Service sensitive fish species were recently captured from the lower Blue River. Arizona Game and Fish personnel salvaged Loach Minnow, Spikedace, and Roundtail Chub from the Blue River at Juan Miller crossing. The decision to salvage was agreed upon by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests due to concerns about post-fire impacts from the Brigham Fire impacting fish populations. Over 800 fish were then transported to the upper Blue River and Campbell Blue Creek and released.

Fire Information Officers are available from 8:00AM to 8:00PM at (928) 288-2154 or email at mailto:2020.bringham@firenet.gov. Fire information can be found at the following links:

• InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/

• Temporary Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918

• Southwest Region Smoke Outlook:https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthwesternRegion

• Bringham Fire Story Map: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/BringhamFireWebMap

Bringham Fire - June 25, 2020 Daily Update  

Today’s forecast is calling for more hot temperatures and stronger winds. Incident managers will post lookouts to monitor fire behavior across the fire area. Hot temperatures and low humidity are expected to continue over the region through early next week. 

One of the incident requirements for the White Mountain Zone Incident Management Team is to coordinate with State, County and Forest officials to mitigate exposure and transmission of COVID-19 to and from local communities and within incident personnel. Firefighters are working in small groups and dispersed into isolated camps to provide crews and the public better social distancing and safety from the spread of COVID-19. 

Highway 191 remains closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 past Juan Miller Road and Mile Marker 225 at Blue Vista. This closure will remain in place through June 27 however plans to extend the closure until July 4 are being considered at this time. Members of the public are advised to drive with caution and leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles and equipment to pass. More information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.  

Fire Information Officers are available from 8:00AM to 8:00PM at (928) 288-2154 or email at mailto:2020.bringham@firenet.gov. Fire information can be found at the following links:  

• InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/  

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/  

• Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918  

• Southwest Region Smoke Outlook:https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthwesternRegion  

• Bringham Fire Story Map: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/BringhamFireWebMap  

 Bringham Fire - June 24, 2020 Daily Update

To provide the most accurate forecast for those working on the fire, an Incident Meteorologist is stationed at the Incident Command Post. These forecasts are reported each morning, and firefighters continue to record weather observations throughout the day.  Light showers and isolated dry thunderstorms are possible today, mainly along the high terrain to the north of the fire. These storms produce conflicting winds that could push the fire in multiple directions. Along with weather forecasts, crews are given a fire behavior forecast that tells them what to be aware of. Throughout Friday, hot temperatures with low humidity will continue. Critical fire weather conditions are possible later in the week.

Firefighters are continuing to patrol along Highway 191 and have set up look out points to monitor the fire’s behavior. Structure assessment has been completed in the lower Blue River corridor and this process is continuing in other areas that might be affected by the fire. For the most part, fire in Strayhorse Canyon remains confined to the creek bottom. Firefighters have been able to put in direct line in this area to help reduce the likelihood that the fire will become established in Strayhorse creek.  

Highway 191 remains closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 past Juan Miller Road and Mile Marker 225 at Blue Vista. This closure will remain in place through July 4, 2020 and may be extended as needed. Members of the public are advised to drive with caution and leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles and equipment to pass. More information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.

Fire Information Officers are available from 8:00AM to 8:00PM at (928) 288-2154 or email at mailto:2020.bringham@firenet.gov. Fire information can be found at the following links:

• InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/

• Temporary Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918 

• Southwest Region Smoke Outlook:https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthwesternRegion

• Bringham Fire Story Map: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/BringhamFireWebMap 

 Bringham Fire - June 23, 2020 Daily Update 

 
The Bringham fire transitioned today from the Type 2 Southwest Incident Management Team 4 to the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Matt Bullmore. The White Mountain Zone Team managed the Bringham fire in the early days of the incident and will continue to build upon the valuable work that the Type 2 Team accomplished. 

The Bringham fire burning in Strayhorse Canyon is slowly moving towards the Blue River, with predominant movement eastward into Bull and Thomas Creeks. Interior islands of unburned fuels south of Bringham Creek continue to be consumed and produce additional smoke. Fire crews will monitor Highway 191 along the fires edge for areas of active fire, and helicopters will continue to provide bucket drops to cool hot spots and aide in firefighting efforts. One of the primary factors that guides decision making during wildfires is weather, and the forecast is calling for warmer temperatures this week with highs in the mid-80s to the low-90s, low relative humidity and moderate winds.  

 Highway 191 remains closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 past Juan Miller Road and Mile Marker 225 at Blue Vista. This closure will remain in place through June 27, 2020 and may be extended as needed. Members of the public are advised to drive with caution and leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles and equipment to pass. More information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire. 

 
Fire Information Officers are available from 8:00AM to 8:00PM at (928) 288-2154 or email at mailto:2020.bringham@firenet.gov.

Fire information can be found at the following links: 
• InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/ 
• Temporary Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918 
• Southwest Region Smoke Outlook:https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthwesternRegion 
• Bringham Fire Story Map: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=014fe10eaaf44038bcf7ee1f3a1013e7

 Bringham Fire Video Update for June 22, 2020 with Operations Section Chief Ben Plumb is available on Facebook at https://bit.ly/314UseJ 

Bringham Fire – June 22, 2020 Daily Update

Tomorrow, June 23 at 6:00AM, Carl Schwope’s Type 2 Incident Management Team will transition management of the Bringham Fire to the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Matt Bullmore. The White Mountain Zone Team managed the Bringham Fire prior to the Type 2 Team’s arrival on June 13. The number of personnel assigned to the fire will continue to decrease due to successful firefighting efforts.

“On June 11, the Bringham Fire doubled in size initiating the action for the Forest to order IMT Team 4. Firefighters began working quickly to keep the fire from spreading west of Highway 191. The location of the fire was remote and providing logistical support for the firefighters was the challenge for the IMT. The Forest had clear intent on the priorities for the fire which remained consistent throughout the incident. We appreciate the support from the local community with the closure of Highway 191 and providing water supply and lodging for the firefighters working night shifts,” said Incident Commander Carl Schwope.

Yesterday, the fire was again active in the interior unburned areas near Tin Cup Corral. These interior burns produced some smoke but did not contribute significantly to fire spread. The Lolo Hotshots successfully completed their mission to construct fireline with the goal of keeping fire on the south side of Strayhorse Creek. Using established dipsites, helicopters provided support to the firefighters by dropping water on remaining hot spots. The majority of fire activity in Strayhorse Canyon remains confined to the creek bottom. Some fingers have pushed north, however scabby fuels and terrain are helping to limit fire spread. Slow continued movement down canyon to the Blue River corridor is expected as temperatures rise.

Bringham Fire Video Update for June 21, 2020 with Operations Section Chief Ben Plumb is available on Facebook at https://bit.ly/37QpDvz.

 Bringham Fire – June 21, 2020 Daily Update

Yesterday several members of the Lolo Hotshots hiked into Strayhorse Canyon to scout and assess different options for possible direct firefighting tactics. The hotshots were able to establish good communications, safety zones, and escape routes, allowing the remainder of the crew to join them. Today the crew will work to construct fireline to keep the fire on the south side of Strayhorse Creek. Air resources will be available to assist, dropping water on hot spots if needed.

Bringham Fire Video Update for June 20, 2020 with Operations Section Chief Buck Wickham is available on Facebook at https://bit.ly/37SRBqH.

Bringham Fire – June 20, 2020 Daily Update

For the continued protection of the public and our firefighters, Highway 191 remains closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 past Juan Miller Road and Mile Marker 225 at Blue Vista. The closure has been extended through June 27, 2020 and may be further extended as firefighters continue to secure the road corridor. Fire personnel are using Highway 191 to transport crews, supplies, and equipment to and from the incident. Members of the public are advised to drive with caution and leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles and equipment to pass. More information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringhamfire.

The Bringham Fire remains active in Strayhorse Canyon, Lengthy Canyon, and the east side of Red Mountain, moving primarily to the east. Today several members of the Lolo Hotshots will hike into Strayhorse Canyon to scout and assess different options for possible direct firefighting tactics. Crews are seeking opportunities to secure the fire in Strayhorse Canyon and reduce the potential for any fire to establish in this area. Structure protection is ongoing around isolated cabins and in the Blue River area, and crews are continuing to monitor Highway 191 to ensure the fire does not move west.

Today marks the longest day of the year, known as the Summer Solstice. This event provides more incoming solar radiation than any other time of year, bringing increased energy that heats the air above the Earth’s surface. For the Bringham Fire, this event is likely to enhance terrain driven winds which are strongly influenced by solar radiation. This impact will be amplified on southwest facing slopes that could experience stronger upslope winds due to the extra energy. According to Incident Meteorologist Royce Fontenot, “On the Bringham Fire, firefighters will experience approximately 14 hours and 22 seconds of daylight today.”

Fire Information Officers are available from 8:00AM to 8:00PM to respond to questions via phone at (928) 288- 2154 or email at 2020.bringham@firenet.gov. Additional fire information can be found at the following links:
• InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/
• Facebook (updates and daily operational videos): https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/
• Temporary Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918
• Southwest Region Smoke Outlook: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthwesternRegion
• Bringham Fire Interactive Story Map: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=d32ee36acfc54dd28e5aef84d9d6e0f3