Blue River Fire

  Strong gusty winds and Red Flag fire weather conditions continue to challenge firefighters on the Blue River and Dry Lake Fires
For a second day in a row strong gusty wind and Red Flag fire weather conditions continue to challenge firefighters on the Blue River and Dry Lakes fires burning on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.  The conditions have had greater impact on the Blue River Fire northeast of San Carlos, as it burns actively through the thick grass and high desert brush, often pushing through fresh lines of fire retardant. The fires have been active late into the evenings and early morning. 
While there are no homes threatened by the fire there are some historic and culturally significant structures in relative proximity to both fires. Tribal Resource Advisors are working with firefighters to identify areas of concern and sites of historical, cultural, and biological significance. 
The two fires started from a thunderstorm that passed through the area on June, 5, 2020. The fires continue to push north/northeast with strong gusty winds influenced by the terrain. The smoke from these fires has settled into San Carlos area at night and has been blowing into the Fort Apache Indian Reservation during the day and changes as the winds shift. Fire managers are coordinating closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).  Smoke monitors will be positioned at strategic locations in San Carlos and in Whiteriver to monitor the impacts of smoke within the communities. Ko’ doo bena golde’da - Do not play with fire!-end-

Blue River Fire

 Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ - Wildfire Update

June 8, 2020 Morning Update

Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team assisting with the management of two

lightning caused fires on San Carlos Apache tribal lands

The Arizona Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team has been asked to assist with the management of two lightning caused fires on San Carlos Apache tribal lands. The team arrived on Sunday, June 7, to begin the transition and brief with tribal forestry staff and firefighters currently on the fires. The team will assist with the complex intersection of fire suppression as the San Carlos Apache reservation remains under an active stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team is working to ensure all fire resources responding to the two incidents are meeting the requirements of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as the standards set by the San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission as it relates to COVID-19 pandemic. The team is also assisting with the logistical support of firefighters while they are working in rough and remote locations. All firefighters and team members are temperature tested before entering tribal lands, and firefighters will be “spiked-out”, camping in designated areas in remote areas safely adjacent to the fires. The team members assisting with incident support will be working remotely from Globe. Firefighters will be fed and supported at their remote spike camps by local drivers that meet the tribal COVID-19 testing requirements. They will be delivering food and supplies several times a day. The team will be sourcing as much as they can locally from area businesses. 

The two fires started from a thunderstorm that passed through the area on June, 5, 2020. The fires continue to push north/northeast with strong and gusty winds influenced by the terrain. The smoke from these fires has settled into San Carlos area at night and has been blowing into the Fort Apache Indian Reservation during the day and changes as the winds shift. Fire managers are coordinating closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to monitor smoke any smoke impacts communities.

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

-end-

 

Blue River Fire

Bighorn Fire 100% Contained, Rain Forecasted May Cause Floods in the Area

Tucson, AZ, July 23, 2020 – The Bighorn Fire is a 100% contained as of today. The fire burned 119,978 acres to include iconic areas near Tucson like Mt. Lemmon and upper Sabino Canyon watershed. While the fire is a 100% contained, residual heat within the containment line may be visible for some time. A closure order remains in effect for public safety as there are hazards in the burn scar and the Bighorn Fire increased the possibility of flooding downstream and of sediment and debris runoff.

"Fire crews worked tirelessly to suppress the fire and fortunately they were able to do so without loss of life or values at risks" said Forest Supervisor, Kerwin Dewberry "However, we can't let our guard down. Significant weather in the area can result in floods downstream and debris runoff. We urge the public to adhere to the closure order and avoid visiting the burned area for their own safety."

"I know people are curious but now is not the time to be curious. Public health and safety is our number one priority" said Santa Catalina District Ranger, CJ Woodard "Rain is forecasted through the weekend. We want people to be safe. Please respect the closure order and stay apprised of weather alerts issued by Pima County"

Post-fire events can result in tragic losses even years after the fire occurred. It takes time for vegetation and habitats to recover from fire events like the Bighorn Fire. We all need to remain vigilant. Federal and local agencies are taking steps to reduce the risks to life and safety downstream from the burned area. However, we also encourage residents in the area to develop individual plans to protect themselves and their property, and to remain aware of flashflood warnings issues by Pima, Pinal and Cochise Counties.

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 Bighorn Fire Info and Media: (505) 842-3193, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 Order Number: # 03-05-05-20-024UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREU.S. FOREST SERVICECORONADO NATIONAL FORESTSANTA CATALINA RANGER DISTRICTAREA CLOSUREPROHIBITIONSPursuant 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, within the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Pima County, Arizona.1. Going into or being upon the restricted area for the protection of public health and safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).EXEMPTIONSPursuant 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 an organized rescue or firefightingresource in the performance of an official duty.RESTRICTED AREAThe Restricted Area is within Township 13 S, Range 15 E portions of Sections 1-4 and 9-12; Township 12 S, Range 15 E and portions of Sections 1-36; Township 12 S, Range 14 E, and portions of Sections 1, 2, 9-17, 19-30, 33-36; Township 11 S, Range 14 E, and portions of Sections 12, 13, 24, 25, 35, and 36; Township 10 S, Range 15 E, and portions of Sections 1, 11-14, and 19-36; Township 10 S, Range 16 E and portions of Sections 5-9, 16-21, and 28-34; Township 11 S, Range 17 E, and portions of Sections 19, and 29-33; Township 11 S, Range 16 E, and portions of Sections 3-10, and 15-36; Township 11 S, Range 15 E, and portions of Sections 1-36; Township 12 S, Range 17 E, and portions of Sections 4-9, 15-23, and 25-36; Township 12 S, Range 16 E, and portions of Sections 1-36; Township 13 S, Range 17 E, and portions of Sections 1-18; and Township 13 S, Range 16 E, and portions of Sections 1-12.Order Number: # 03-05-05-20-024The Restricted Area includes all lands within the following description:From the Forest boundary beginning at the entrance of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, follow the Forest boundary north and west until reaching the boundary of Catalina State Park. Follow the eastern perimeter of Catalina State Park until reaching the northeast corner of the Park. Catalina State Park is not included in the restricted area. Continue following the perimeter of the Forest boundary to the northwest corner, follow the Forest boundary to the northeast corner, and continue following the perimeter of the Forest boundary as it moves south and east to the intersection of the Forest boundary with FR 371. Follow FR 371 west for approximately 1.1 miles. From this point on FR 371, go due west to meet the Forest boundary. FR 371 is not in the restricted area. Continue following the Forest boundary west until reaching with the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, as depicted on the attached map (Exhibit A).PURPOSE The purpose of this Order is to close the Restricted Area where the Bighorn Fire is burning for the protection of public health and safety.IMPLEMENTATION1. This Order will be effective on July 15, 2020 at 8:00 pm, and shall remain in effect until November 1, 2020 or until rescinded, whichever is earlier.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 and $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 Santa Catalina Ranger District located in Tucson, Arizona, telephone number 520-749-7703, and at the Coronado National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Tucson, Arizona, telephone number 520-388-8300.5. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.Done at Tucson, Arizona, this 13 day of July, 2020.___________________________KERWIN S. DEWBERRYForest SupervisorCoronado National Forest

 Bighorn Fire Info: (520) 329-7439, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bighorn Fire Info: (520) 329-7439, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Media Phone Line: (520) 329-7640, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6741/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bighornfireinfo 
Burned Area Response: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6796/ 
NWS Burn Scar www.weather.gov/twc/bighorn-burn-scar

 
Location: Santa Catalina Mountains 
Size: 119,589 acres 
Containment: 89% 
Date Detected: June 5, 2020 
Cause: Lightning 
Resources: 59 People with 3 Engines and miscellaneous overhead

Highlights: We will be conducting our final virtual community meeting this evening at 7 pm. You can tune in on the Bighorn Fire Information Facebook page, and you do not need a Facebook account to view the meeting.

Yesterday’s Activity: Suppression repair efforts continued with chipping, backhaul, and suppression rehabilitation in Bigelow, Bear Wallow, Gordon Hirabayashi, and Molino Basin.

Today’s Activity: The fire remains active in the wilderness area, so smoke might be visible until there is significant rainfall. Firefighters will be in Catalina State Park performing suppression repair.

Weather: Today’s temperatures in the valley will reach 107 degrees with west winds up to 13 mph. Minimum humidity levels will range from 14% to 23% across the lower elevations. There is a slight chance of light showers over the fire perimeter tonight.

County Evacuation and Flood Information
PIMA: Pima.gov/bighorn
myalerts.pima.gov 
COCHISE: cochise.az.gov/emergency
PINAL: www.pinal.gov 
pinalcountyaz.gov/emergencymanagement 
 

Closures: Sabino Canyon, Bear Canyon, Redington Road and Catalina State Park are closed. Catalina Highway is closed to the public at milepost zero. Closures and maps are available at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6741/.
Forest Closures available at: fs.usda.gov/alerts/coronado/alerts-notices

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Bighorn Fire Info: (520) 329-7439, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Media Phone Line: (520) 329-7640, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6741/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bighornfireinfo 
Burned Area Response: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6796/ 
NWS Burn Scar www.weather.gov/twc/bighorn-burn-scar
 
Location: Santa Catalina Mountains 
Size: 119,589 acres 
Containment: 89% 
Date Detected: June 5, 2020 
Cause: Lightning 
Resources: 73 people total with 4 Engines, 1 Helicopter, and miscellaneous overhead 

Highlights: At 6 a.m., the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 transferred command of the Bighorn Fire back to the Coronado National Forest. Type 4 Incident Commander Corey Robinson has assumed command of the fire and will continue building on the successful work of the previous incident management teams.

Yesterday’s Activity: The fire activity witnessed Saturday afternoon was in the West Fork of Sabino, north of the Arizona Trail, adding an additional 291 acres. As a result of the increase in acreage, the containment percentage decreased slightly from 95% to 89%.

Today’s Activity: Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire perimeter in the areas where fire is not yet contained. Suppression repair efforts continue with chipping, backhaul, and suppression rehabilitation in the Summerhaven area, as well as other portions of the fire.

Weather: Today will continue to be hot with temperatures in the valley reaching 108 degrees. Minimum humidity levels will range from 16% to 21% across the lower elevations to 25% to 35% over the higher elevations. Scattered showers and thunderstorms might occur during the afternoon and evening.
 

County Evacuation and Flood Information
PIMA: Pima.gov/bighorn
myalerts.pima.gov 
COCHISE: cochise.az.gov/emergency
PINAL: www.pinal.gov 
pinalcountyaz.gov/emergencymanagement 
 

Closures: Cascabel Road at the Cochise County/Pima County line is now open. Sabino Canyon, Bear Canyon, Redington Road and Catalina State Park are closed. Catalina Highway is closed to the public at milepost zero. Closures and maps are available at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6741/.
Forest Closure Orders available at: fs.usda.gov/alerts/coronado/alerts-notices

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Bighorn Fire – July 12, 2020 Daily Update

Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 4

Carl Schwope, Incident Commander 

Bighorn Fire Info: (520) 329-7439, 8AM-8PM

Media Phone Line: (520) 329-7640, 8AM-8PM

Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6741/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bighornfireinfo

Smoke: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Burned Area Response: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6796/

NWS Burn Scar: www.weather.gov/twc/bighorn-burn-scar
 

Incident Statistics

Location: Santa Catalina Mountains
Size: 119,250 acres
Containment: 92%
Date detected: June 5, 2020
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 3 Hand Crews, 1 Water-tender, 8 Engines, 1 Helicopter, 1 Dozer, 239 Personnel

Highlights:

On Monday, July 13 at 6:00 a.m., the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 will transfer command of the Bighorn Fire back to the Coronado National Forest. Type 4 Incident Commander Corey Robinson will be in command of the fire and will continue building on the successful work of the previous incident management teams.

This will be the last update provided by the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4. Beginning Monday, the daily update will be produced by the Coronado National Forest. Contact information and websites will remain the same.

A virtual community meeting will be hosted today, Sunday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/bighornfireinfo/ This will be the last community meeting hosted by the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4.

An American Sign Language interpreter and CART captioning will be provided. We will monitor online Facebook questions during the meeting, or you can email us your questions in advance at 2020.bighorn@firenet.gov