Location of Origin: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Clifton Ranger District
Start Date: June 6, 2020
Size: Approximately 1,200 Acres
Cause: Lightning
Percent Contained: 0
Personnel: Approximately 155 Resources Assigned: 3 hotshot crews, 1 initial attack crew, 3 Type 6 engines, 1 Type 3 engine, 2 water tenders, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 Type 3 helicopter, various incident management overhead.

Winds Push Bringham to the West and Increase Fire Size

Driven by winds, the Bringham Fire continued to grow yesterday and is now at 1,200 acres. The cold front that moved in on Monday provided cooler temperatures and lower relative humidity, but it also created winds that pushed the fire towards the west. Helicopters of various types were utilized to target areas where there was increased fire activity.

Fire crews began work today on fuels prep for potential burnout operations to reinforce areas near Highway 191, a primary holding feature for future containment. Structure protection continued at the Rose Peak lookout fire-tower, and at various private properties in the vicinity of the fire. Firefighters also conducted recon missions to inform fire management planning, and they monitored critical areas of concern along fire lines.

Tentative burnout operations are being planned to reinforce holding features and could bring smoke and fire close to Highway 191. To ensure public safety, the highway has been closed in both directions for the next seven days. The closure is between mile-marker 186 and mile-marker 225. ADOT signage will be in place near both blockades on Highway 191. Only owners or lessees of land within the area will be exempted from the highway closure. ADOT issued a traffic advisory for Highway 191, and more information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.

The primary objective for the incident management team is firefighter and public safety, and forest visitors are reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the fire as smoke may reduce visibility, especially in the evenings as smoke settles in lower elevations. There is also a large amount of emergency vehicle traffic, so please proceed with caution while driving in the area.

Fire information can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/. Information about the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

Location of Origin: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Clifton Ranger District

Start Date: June 6, 2020                Size: Approximately 500 Acres  

Cause: Lightning                               Percent Contained: 0                                                                     

Personnel: Approximately 95     

Resources Assigned: 3 hotshot crews, 1 initial attack crew, 2 Type 6 engines, 2 water tenders, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 Type 3 helicopter, various incident management overhead.

               

The Bringham Fire was ignited by lightning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Clifton Ranger District on June 6, 2020. The fire has grown to approximately 500 acres and is burning in steep rugged terrain. During suppression efforts on Saturday and Sunday, firefighters successfully used retardant and helicopter water drops to slow the fires spread.

 

On June 7, the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team, led by Incident Commander Matt Bullmore, assumed command of the Bringham Fire. The management objective is full suppression of the fire with the primary objective being firefighter and public safety. Values at risk include the Rose Peak lookout fire tower, private properties, and state highway 191. Concerns impacting fire suppression include Red Flag conditions, low relative humidity, high winds and competition for resources from other incidents. Fire fighters today will continue to monitor the north and east sides of the fire and will continue structure protection for the Rose Peak lookout fire tower, and aircraft will be utilized to check fire movement. Strong winds and instability are helping to lift the smoke out the area and disperse it to the northeast. Smoke may impact state highway 191, nearby communities and areas of western New Mexico.

 

Fuels prep and potential burnout operations are being planned to reinforce holding features and could bring smoke and fire close to Highway 191. To ensure public safety, the highway will be closed in both directions for seven days effective June 9, 2020. Timing of possible firing operation will be dictated by safety, weather, and operational progress. The closure will stretch from the Blue Vista overlook to mile-marker 189. ADOT signage will be in place near both blockades on Highway 191. Only owners or lessees of land within the area will be exempted from the highway closure.

 

Fire information can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/. Information about the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

 Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update

June 16, 2020 – Daily Update

Blue River Fire

Acres:  approx. 30,400

Percent Containment: 85%

Origin Location: 8 mi NE of San Carlos, AZ

Fuels: Upper desert grasslands; grass and brush

 

Dry Lake Fire

Acres: approx. 4,370

Percent Containment:90%

Origin Location: 22 mi NE of Bylas, AZ

Fuels: Ponderosa pine forest with woodland and grass understory 

Incident Management Team to transition fires to the local unit

This morning containment is at ninety percent on the Blue River Fire and eighty-five percent containment on the Dry Lake Fire, with no significant change in acreage. Both fires have some heat within the perimeter and some unburnt vegetation that may put up smoke occasionally. The Arizona Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team will transition the fires to the local unit on Wednesday, June 17. Each fire will be managed by a Type 4 Incident commander and have resources available to them to continue to ensure containment goals are met on these fires. Resource Advisors from the tribal agency are working with a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team to assess burn severity and plan for erosion control ahead of monsoon rains.

The Arizona Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team would like to thank the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council, the San Carlos Apache Tribal Emergency Response Commission, the San Carlos Apache Natural Resources and Forestry Resources programs, and so many others for their hospitality, assistance and support while this team was assisting with these fires.  

SMOKE: There has been very little smoke from both fires in the last couple of days. When there is smoke in the community, smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control – Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html

BACKGROUND: Firefighters have been working to actively suppress the Blue River and the Dry Lake fires since their discovery after a June 5 thunderstorm.  Firefighters and fire managers have been challenged by many factors which have been significant in the growth of these fires. Factors including several days of wind driven fire behavior, difficult topography, as well as limited available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by increased fire activity in the area further drawing down available resources have proven challenging.

FIRE PREVENTION: We must all do our part to prevent wildfires. We continue to see fires that are preventable threaten our community. Ko’ doo bena golde’da - Do not play with fire! Do your part to clear the grass and brush around your home to help protect your home and community. Remember it only takes one spark to start a wildfire.

-end-

 Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update

June 16, 2020 – Daily Update

Blue River Fire

Acres:  approx. 30,400

Percent Containment: 85%

Origin Location: 8 mi NE of San Carlos, AZ

Fuels: Upper desert grasslands; grass and brush

 

Dry Lake Fire

Acres: approx. 4,370

Percent Containment:90%

Origin Location: 22 mi NE of Bylas, AZ

Fuels: Ponderosa pine forest with woodland and grass understory 

Incident Management Team to transition fires to the local unit

This morning containment is at ninety percent on the Blue River Fire and eighty-five percent containment on the Dry Lake Fire, with no significant change in acreage. Both fires have some heat within the perimeter and some unburnt vegetation that may put up smoke occasionally. The Arizona Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team will transition the fires to the local unit on Wednesday, June 17. Each fire will be managed by a Type 4 Incident commander and have resources available to them to continue to ensure containment goals are met on these fires. Resource Advisors from the tribal agency are working with a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team to assess burn severity and plan for erosion control ahead of monsoon rains.

The Arizona Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team would like to thank the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council, the San Carlos Apache Tribal Emergency Response Commission, the San Carlos Apache Natural Resources and Forestry Resources programs, and so many others for their hospitality, assistance and support while this team was assisting with these fires.  

SMOKE: There has been very little smoke from both fires in the last couple of days. When there is smoke in the community, smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control – Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html

BACKGROUND: Firefighters have been working to actively suppress the Blue River and the Dry Lake fires since their discovery after a June 5 thunderstorm.  Firefighters and fire managers have been challenged by many factors which have been significant in the growth of these fires. Factors including several days of wind driven fire behavior, difficult topography, as well as limited available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by increased fire activity in the area further drawing down available resources have proven challenging.

FIRE PREVENTION: We must all do our part to prevent wildfires. We continue to see fires that are preventable threaten our community. Ko’ doo bena golde’da - Do not play with fire! Do your part to clear the grass and brush around your home to help protect your home and community. Remember it only takes one spark to start a wildfire.

-end-

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update

June 15, 2020 – Daily Update

Blue River Fire

Acres:  approx. 30,400

Percent Containment: 85%

Origin Location: 8 mi NE of San Carlos, AZ

Fuels: Upper desert grasslands; grass and brush

 

Dry Lake Fire

Acres: approx. 4,370

Percent Containment: 81%

Origin Location: 22 mi NE of Bylas, AZ

Fuels: Ponderosa pine forest with woodland and grass understory

Incident Management Team begin planning efforts to transition fires back to the local agency

This morning containment is at eighty-five percent on the Blue River Fire and eighty-one percent containment on the Dry Lake Fire, with no significant change in acreage. Both fires have some heat within the perimeter and some unburnt vegetation that may put up smoke occasionally. Resource Advisors from the tribal agency have begun working with a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team to assess burn severity and plan for erosion control ahead of monsoon rains. Many firefighters and aviation resources have or are in the process of departing the fires and are getting reassigned to other new large fires around Arizona.

Firefighters and camp crew members from the San Carlos communities have joined the firefighting efforts and many will remain assigned to the fires to assist after the Incident Management Team departs. As San Carlos Agency and Tribal Forestry have been able to ensure the training and safety of their firefighters, and acquire the necessary vehicles to accomplish social distancing, personal protective equipment, and disinfectant supplies, they have been able to bring more of their firefighters into service. Firefighter and public safety is the first priority and even more important now during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

SMOKE: There has been very little smoke from both fires in the last couple of days. If and when there is smoke in the community, smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control – Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html

BACKGROUND: Firefighters have been working to actively suppress the Blue River and the Dry Lake fires since their discovery after a June 5 thunderstorm.  Firefighters and fire managers have been challenged by many factors which have been significant in the growth of these fires. Factors including several days of wind driven fire behavior, difficult topography, as well as limited available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by increased fire activity in the area further drawing down available resources have proven challenging.

FIRE PREVENTION: We must all do our part to prevent wildfires. We continue to see fires that are preventable threaten our community. Ko’ doo bena golde’da - Do not play with fire! Do your part to clear the grass and brush around your home to help protect your home and community. Remember it only takes one spark to start a wildfire.

-end-

Blue River and Dry Lake Fire Information

Fire Information: 602-345-0246Email: 2020.BlueRiver@firenet.govHours: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/Fire Information on InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Air Quality Monitors http://tinyurl.com/y9cqd22w
Arizona DEQ Air Quality Monitors http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx
Smoke Forecast Outlooks  http://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/



 Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update
June 14, 2020 – Daily Update
Blue River Fire
Acres:  approx. 30,400
Percent Containment: 67%
Origin Location: 8 mi NE of San Carlos, AZ
Fuels: Upper desert grasslands; grass and brush

Dry Lake Fire
Acres: approx. 4,370
Percent Containment: 57%
Origin Location: 22 mi NE of Bylas, AZ
Fuels: Ponderosa pine forest with woodland and grass understory 



Firefighters reinforcing containment lines and look ahead to area rehabilitation
Firefighters on the Blue River and Dry Lake continue to watch the interior heat and enhance containment lines, watching to make sure winds do not push fire across the established lines. The firefighters continue to make progress in containing both fires working 30-50 feet adjacent to the fire-line mopping up any heat. This morning containment remains at sixty-seven percent on the Blue River Fire and a fifty-seven percent containment on the Dry Lake Fire, with no significant change in acreage. Resource Advisors from the tribal agency will begin working with a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team to assess burn severity and plan for erosion control ahead of monsoon rains. Firefighters from these fires are also assisting with Initial Attack on new fires within the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
The Dry Lake Fire continues to burn, backing and creeping through the grass and timber understory and dead and down fuels on the forest floor making occasional pushes with winds when aligned with the terrain. The fire area experienced increased humidity and some sprinkles from passing thunderstorms yesterday afternoon. Fire fighters are using a chipper to assist with brush removal adjacent to containment lines to help secure the fire within the lines. Areas around Dry Lake have either had fires previously or had been thinned by the local tribal forestry program which has decreased the fire behavior potential in that general area. 
Firefighters and camp crew members from the San Carlos communities have joined the firefighting efforts. As San Carlos Agency and Tribal Forestry have been able to ensure the training and safety of their firefighters, and acquire the necessary vehicles to accomplish social distancing, personal protective equipment, and disinfectant supplies, they have been able to bring more of their firefighters into service. Firefighter and public safety is the first priority and even more important now during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
SMOKE: The team is working closely with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to monitor smoke impacts to the communities of San Carlos as well as Whiteriver. Smoke monitors will be positioned at strategic locations in San Carlos and in Whiteriver to monitor the impacts of smoke within the communities. Smoke monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to insuring the continued health of communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control – Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html
BACKGROUND: Firefighters have been working to actively suppress the Blue River and the Dry Lake fires since their discovery after a June 5 thunderstorm.  Firefighters and fire managers have been challenged by many factors which have been significant in the growth of these fires. Factors including several days of wind driven fire behavior, difficult topography, as well as limited available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by increased fire activity in the area further drawing down available resources have proven challenging.
FIRE PREVENTION: We must all do our part to prevent wildfires. We continue to see fires that are preventable threaten our community. Ko’ doo bena golde’da - Do not play with fire! Do your part to clear the grass and brush around your home to help protect your home and community. Remember it only takes one spark to start a wildfire.
-end-
Blue River and Dry Lake Fire Information
Fire Information: 602-345-0246Email: 2020.BlueRiver@firenet.govHours: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/Fire Information on InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/Air Quality Monitors http://tinyurl.com/y9cqd22wArizona DEQ Air Quality Monitors http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspxSmoke Forecast Outlooks http://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/

 Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update

June 12, 2020 – Daily Update

Blue River Fire

Acres:  approx. 30,400  

Percent Containment: 50%  

Origin Location: 8 mi NE of San Carlos, AZ  

Fuels: Upper desert grasslands; grass and brush  

 

Dry Lake Fire

Acres: approx. 4,365  

Percent Containment: 15%  

Origin Location: 22 mi NE of Bylas, AZ  

Fuels: Ponderosa pine forest with woodland and grass understory  

Hot, dry, and windy conditions return to the Blue River and Dry Lake Fires

A shift in weather conditions brings the challenge of hot, dry, and gusty winds back to the fire-lines on the Blue River and Dry Lakes fires. Through today firefighters will continue to watch the interior heat and enhance containment lines, watching to make sure winds do not push fire across the established containment lines. The firefighters have been able to make progress in containing both fires, as there is now a fifty-percent containment on the Blue River Fire and a fifteen-percent containment on the Dry Lake Fire. Yesterday firefighters continued to used helicopters of varying size and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs). Firefighters are using a combination of established roads, natural features like rock bluffs and outcroppings, as well as dozer or handline to contain the fire and stop the fire spread for the fires.

The Dry Lake Fire continues to burn, backing and creeping through the grass and timber understory and dead and down fuels on the forest floor making occasional pushes with winds when aligned with the terrain. Areas around Dry Lake have either had fires previously or had been thinned by the local tribal forestry program which has decreased the fire behavior potential in that general area.  

More firefighters and camp crew members from the San Carlos communities have joined the firefight on these two fires. As San Carlos Agency and Tribal Forestry have been able to ensure the training and safety of their firefighters, and acquire the necessary vehicles to accomplish social distancing, personal protective equipment, and disinfectant supplies they have been able to bring more of their firefighters into service. Firefighter and public safety is the first priority and even more important now during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

SMOKE: The team is working closely with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to monitor smoke impacts to the communities of San Carlos as well as Whiteriver. Smoke monitors will be positioned at strategic locations in San Carlos and in Whiteriver to monitor the impacts of smoke within the communities. Smoke monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to insuring the continued health of communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control – Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html

BACKGROUND: Firefighters have been working to actively suppress the Blue River and the Dry Lake fires since their discovery after a June 5 thunderstorm.  Firefighters and fire managers have been challenged by many factors which have been significant in the growth of these fires. Factors including several days of wind driven fire behavior, difficult topography, as well as limited available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by increased fire activity in the area further drawing down available resources have proven challenging.

FIRE PREVENTION: We must all do our part to prevent wildfires. We continue to see fires that are preventable threaten our community. Ko’ doo bena golde’da - Do not play with fire! Do your part to clear the grass and brush around your home to help protect your community. Remember it only takes one spark to start a wildfire.

-end-

 

Blue River and Dry Lake

Fire Information

 

Fire Information:602-345-0246

Email: 2020.BlueRiver@firenet.gov

Hours: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

• facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/

Fire Information on InciWeb  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ Air Quality Monitors  http://tinyurl.com/y9cqd22w
Arizona DEQ Air Quality Monitors  http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx Smoke Forecast Outlooks  http://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/

 

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update

June 11, 2020 – Daily Update
 

Blue River Fire  Acres:  approx. 30,380 Percent Containment: 0% Origin Location: 8 mi NE of San Carlos, AZ Fuels: Upper desert grasslands; grass and brush
  Dry Lake Fire Acres: approx. 4,350 Percent Containment: 0% Origin Location: 22 mi NE of Bylas, AZ Fuels: Ponderosa pine forest with woodland and grass understory

 

Firefighters make progress toward containment on the Blue River and Dry Lake Fires

Firefighters continue to take advantage of the light wind and moderated fire behavior as the make progress towards full containment and suppression of the Blue River and Dry Lake Fires burning within the San Carlos Apache Reservation. They also remain alert as there is a forecasted change in weather bringing in warmer temperatures and windy conditions in the next 2 days.

The Dry Lake Fire continues to burn, backing and creeping through the grass and timber understory and dead and down fuels on the forest floor making occasional pushes with winds when aligned with the terrain. Areas around Dry Lake have either had fires previously or had been thinned by the local tribal forestry program which has decreased the fire behavior potential in that general area.  

SMOKE: The team is working closely with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to monitor smoke impacts to the communities of San Carlos as well as Whiteriver. Smoke monitors will be positioned at strategic locations in San Carlos and in Whiteriver to monitor the impacts of smoke within the communities. Smoke monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to insuring the continued health of communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control – Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html

BACKGROUND: Firefighters have been working to actively suppress the Blue River and the Dry Lake fires since their discovery after a June 5 thunderstorm.  Firefighters and fire managers have been challenged by many factors which have been significant in the growth of these fires. Factors including several days of wind driven fire behavior, difficult topography, as well as limited available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by increased fire activity in the area further drawing down available resources have proven challenging.

FIRE PREVENTION: We must all do our part to prevent wildfires. We continue to see fires that are preventable threaten our community. Ko’ doo bena golde’da - Do not play with fire! Do your part to clear the grass and brush around your home to help protect your community.

 Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update

June 10, 2020 – Daily Update

Blue River FireAcres:  approx. 30,242Percent Containment: 0%Origin Location: 8 mi NE of San Carlos, AZFuels: Upper desert grasslands; grass and brush Dry Lake FireAcres: approx. 3,900Percent Containment: 0%Origin Location: 22 mi NE of Bylas, AZFuels: Ponderosa pine forest with woodland and grass understory 

Suppression efforts continue on the Blue River and Dry Lake Fires

 Aviation resources continue to support the firefighting efforts on the ground.  Helicopter water drops continued to support firefighters as they worked their way around the fires toward containment. Firefighters have been using heavy equipment such as dozers and graders to enhance area roads so they can be used as containment lines, further enhancing their effectiveness by burning out the vegetation between the active fire and the roads to slow and contain the fire spread. An Infrared (IR) Flight took place over the Blue River Fire last night and is planned over both fires tonight. IR flights help firefighters prioritize the positioning of resources on the fire line.The Dry Lake Fire continues to burn, backing and creeping through the grass and timber understory and dead and down fuels on the forest floor making occasional pushes with winds when aligned with the terrain. Areas around Dry Lake have either had fires previously or had been thinned by the local tribal forestry program which has decreased the fire behavior potential in that general area.  SMOKE: The team is working closely with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to monitor smoke impacts to the communities of San Carlos as well as Whiteriver. Smoke monitors will be positioned at strategic locations in San Carlos and in Whiteriver to monitor the impacts of smoke within the communities. Smoke monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to insuring the continued health of communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control – Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.htmlBACKGROUND: Firefighters have been working to actively suppress the Blue River and the Dry Lake fires since their discovery after a June 5 thunderstorm.  Firefighters and fire managers have been challenged by many factors which have been significant in the growth of these fires. Factors including several days of wind driven fire behavior, difficult topography, as well as limited available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by increased fire activity in the area further drawing down available resources have proven challenging.

 

Ko’ doo bena golde’da - Do not play with fire!

-end-

 

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update

June 9, 2020 – Evening Update

Blue River Fire Acres:  approx. 30,000Percent Containment: 0%Origin Location: 8 mi NE of San Carlos, AZFuels: Upper desert grasslands; grass and brush Dry Lake FireAcres: approx. 3,400Percent Containment: 0%Origin Location: 22 mi NE of Bylas, AZFuels: Ponderosa pine forest with woodland and grass understory

Firefighters take advantage of lighter winds on Blue River and Dry Lake Fire

 

Firefighters have been working to actively suppress the Blue River and the Dry Lake fires since their discovery after a June 5 thunderstorm.  Firefighters and fire managers have been challenged by many factors which have been significant in the growth of these fires. Factors including several days of wind driven fire behavior, difficult topography, as well as limited available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by increased fire activity in the area further drawing down available resources have proven challenging. Burn out operations on both fires can also account for some of the growth on both fires as firefighters worked to enhance roads and natural features to slow the fires’ rate of spread. With lighter winds today firefighters on the ground and in the air made more progress toward containment. During the days of high wind firefighters were not finding the fire retardant delivered by the airtankers to be very effective on the Blue River Fire. The warm dry winds would dry the retardant and the fire would quickly burn through the retardant lines. Today helicopter water drops continued to support firefighters on the ground as they worked their way around the fires toward containment.

The Dry Lake Fire continues to burn, backing and creeping through the grass and timber understory and dead and down fuels on the forest floor making occasional pushes with winds when aligned with the terrain. Areas around Dry Lake have either had fires previously or had been thinned by the local tribal forestry program which has decreased the fire behavior potential in that general area.   

The team is working closely with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to monitor smoke impacts to the communities of San Carlos as well as Whiteriver. Smoke monitors will be positioned at strategic locations in San Carlos and in Whiteriver to monitor the impacts of smoke within the communities. Smoke monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to insuring the continued health of communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control – Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html