A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest. A recording will be available.

Firing operations underway to protect communities near Horton Fire; Smoke impacts expected  
Daily Update: January 5, 2025

Size: 1,972 acres 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Containment: 17% 
Total personnel: 416 
Start Date: December 14, 2024 
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona 
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chaparral
Resources:    7 crews | 32 engines | 2 helicopters | 1 bulldozer | 4 water tenders

Highlights: Firefighters had a successful day of firing operations and fireline enhancement yesterday and last night. Today, work will continue around Promontory Point, with ongoing ignitions below the rim between Horton Creek Trail and eastward towards Christopher Creek as work continues on this full suppression fire.  

A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page. 

Smoke: Smoke and flames continue to be visible in the area and can be seen from State Route 260. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/. 

Operations: Firefighters continue working on both day and night shifts on the Horton Fire. Yesterday, winds limited aerial firing operations above the rim. Heavy equipment successfully constructed dozer line on the north end of the fire, tying into existing handline and further securing containment features. Today, crews will conduct firing operations along the Mogollon Rim, on the Horton Creek Trail east of the community of Tonto Creek Estates and west/north of Christopher Creek to assist with reducing fuel availability and help control the main fire’s spread. Crews will continue patrolling and securing fireline as structure protection resources lay hose and conduct point protection in nearby communities.  

Weather: The fire area is forecasted to experience temperatures from the high-40s to low-50s with relative humidity up to 60% and calmer winds. No precipitation is expected in the next 24-48 hours. 

TFR: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR 5/0461) is in place for the Horton Fire through January 31. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_5_0461.html.  

Evacuations, Road Closures and Forest Orders: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, Kohls Ranch, and Zane Grey Cabins are in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. 

Highway closures are not currently in effect due to the Horton Fire, however reduced visibility due to smoke on SR-260 is possible. Travelers should monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.  

A Forest closure order is in effect to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire as well as protecting firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices. 

Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Fire Email 2024.horton@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line (602)-551-7327 • Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Firing operations continue, creating a potential increase of smoke impacts to the area.  
Daily Update: January 4, 2025

Size: 1,890 acres 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Containment: 17% 
Total personnel: 418 
Start Date: December 14, 2024 
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona 
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chaparral
Resources:    7 crews | 32 engines | 2 helicopters | 1 bulldozer | 4 water tenders

Highlights: With the Horton Fire moving down off the Mogollon Rim and onto the face, in addition to continued firing operations, there is increased visible smoke and flames along the top of the rim which can be seen from State Highway 260. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/. 

Operations: Firefighters will continue working below the Mogollon Rim and along the Horton Creek Trail today, enhancing control features by removing available fuels with the use of hand tools and planned ignitions, from both the ground and the air, as conditions allow. Air resources may be less available today due to forecasted increasing and sporadic winds, especially on top of the rim. The fire is expected to continue moving south and off the face of the rim, and into the head of Horton Creek. Firefighters are working around the clock in this area to secure the fire line in this steep and difficult terrain. Structure protection resources laid over 7,000 feet of hose yesterday near the areas of Tonto Creek Estates and Christopher Creek. As additional incident personnel continue to arrive, the public is reminded to please practice caution when traveling in the area.  

TFR: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR 4/0101) is in place for the Horton Fire. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_0101.html 

Weather: The fire area is forecasted to experience temperatures from the low-30s to mid-50s with relative humidity around 16-25%. SW Winds will increase with localized gusts of 20-30 mph across the Rim. No precipitation is expected in the next 48 hours.

Evacuations, Road Closures and Forest Orders: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, Kohls Ranch, and Zane Grey Cabins are in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area.  
 
Highway closures are not currently in effect due to the Horton Fire, however reduced visibility due to smoke on SR-260 is possible. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/. A Forest closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire as well as protecting assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices. 

Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Fire Email 2024.horton@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line (602)-551-7327 • Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Crews holding fireline after successful firing operations; Public meeting tonight in Christopher Creek
Daily Update: January 3, 2025

Size: 1,352 acres 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Containment: 17% 
Total personnel: 334 
Start Date: December 14, 2024 
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona 
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chaparral
Resources:    5 crews | 22 engines | 2 helicopters | 1 bulldozers | 4 water tenders

Highlights: The Horton Fire is now at 1,352 acres and 17% containment. Yesterday, firefighters conducted hand ignitions on the north end of the fire. Crews were successful in holding containment lines and monitored fire activity through the day. Last night, fire moved to the west side of Promontory Point and there was active fire behavior on the west/southwest side.

Operations: Air and ground resources will work in tandem to monitor conditions and conduct ignitions below the Mogollon Rim along the Horton Creek Trail. These operations aim to secure the western edge of the fire, ahead of the main fire, while also helping minimize movement to the east. Crews will also continue working on structure protection in nearby areas. As of today, firefighters will be actively working on both day and night shifts. With the increase in personnel and addition of a night shift, the public is asked to please avoid the area and use caution when traveling on roads and in areas in proximity to the Horton Fire.

Weather: The fire area is forecasted to experience another day of near record to record-breaking temperatures today with increased winds and low humidity. Temperatures will range from mid-50s to high-60s with relative humidity at 15% and gusts up to 20mph.

Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire will be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke Outlook information is available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/. 

Closures: A closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices. 

Evacuations: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, Kohls Ranch, Hand Zane Grey Cabins are in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area. 

Safety: Highway closures are not currently in effect due to the Horton Fire, however reduced visibility due to smoke on SR-260 is possible. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.

Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Fire Email 2024.horton@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line (602)-551-7327 • Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Crews holding fireline after successful firing operations; Public meeting tonight in Christopher Creek
Daily Update: January 2, 2025

Size: 1,164 acres 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Containment: 17% 
Total personnel: 334 
Start Date: December 14, 2024 
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona 
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chaparral
Resources:    4 crews | 20 engines | 1 helicopter | 1 bulldozers | 2 water tenders

Highlights: The Horton Fire is now 1,164 acres and remains 17% containment. A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page. 

Operations: Yesterday, crews successfully conducted firing operations along the eastern perimeter of the fire. Today, firefighters will continue patrolling, securing and holding the fireline in that area. Additional ignitions may occur on the north end of the fire to secure Forest Road 76 to the edge of the Mollogon Rim. 

Surrounding communities can expect to see crews assessing and scouting contingency line opportunities and point protection needs around residential areas and along powerlines and roadways throughout the week..

Weather: Yesterday, high pressure overhead resulted in above-average temperatures, low humidity, and light winds. Similar conditions are anticipated today with temperatures in the 50s, relative humidity in the teens and winds at 10mph.

Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire will be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke Outlook information is available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/. 

Closures: A closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices. 

Evacuations: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins remain in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area. 

Safety: Highway closures are not currently in effect due to the Horton Fire, however reduced visibility due to smoke on SR-260 is possible. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.

Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Fire Email 2024.horton@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line (602)-551-7327 • Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Horton Fire public meeting will take place on Thursday, January 2, 2025. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest. A recording will be available.

Persistent dry conditions forecasted into the New Year for the Horton Fire
Daily Update: January 1, 2025

Size: 1,124 acres 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Containment: 17% 
Total personnel: 247 
Start Date: December 14, 2024 
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona 
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chaparral

Highlights: The Horton Fire remains at 1,124 acres and 17% containment. Yesterday, crews completed prepping the lines along Forest Road (FR) 300 to SR-260 to prepare for firing operations. A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page. 

Operations: Yesterday, crews patrolled the fire area, monitored fire activity and improved containment lines along Highline, Horton, and Derrick trails. Additional prep work occurred around infrastructure and other values at risk.

Today, crews will scout remaining prep needs along SR-260, within nearby communities and along drainages south/downslope of the active fire area. If conditions allow, firing operations may occur on the eastern perimeter of the fire. This tactic is utilized in full suppression fire management to assist with reducing fuel availability to help control the main fire’s spread.  

Weather: A slight reduction in temperatures was seen across the fire on Tuesday. New Years Day brings elevated fire weather conditions with continued persistent dry conditions, temperatures in the low 50s and relative humidity in the 20% range.

Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire will be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke Outlook information is available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/. 

Closures: A closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices. 

Evacuations: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins remain in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area. 

Safety: Highway closures are not currently in effect due to the Horton Fire, however reduced visibility due to smoke on SR-260 is possible. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.

Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Fire Email 2024.horton@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line (602)-551-7327 • Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Fire remains active on the Horton Fire as Southwest Area Team 1 assumes command
Daily Update: December 31, 2024

Size: 1,124 acres 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Containment: 17% 
Total personnel: 247 
Start Date: December 14, 2024 
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona 
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chaparral

Highlights: The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Horton Fire today at 7 a.m. With this transition, the public can expect to see an increase in fire traffic across the area as additional resources continue arriving on-scene through the new year. 

Operations: The Horton Fire is now 1,124 acres and 17% containment with fire continuing to burn in a steep and remote portion of the Mogollon Rim. Today, crews will patrol and monitor fire activity. Continued growth is anticipated as fire moves through dense fuels east and south along Promontory Point and east of Horton Springs. Crews will continue their work to prep lines in anticipation of future firing operations.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies and slightly cooler temperatures. Temperatures remain above average with low relative humidity and no precipitation anticipated.

Closures: A new emergency closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Evacuations: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins remain in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area. 

Safety: Highway closures are not currently in effect due to the Horton Fire, however reduced visibility due to smoke on SR-260 is possible. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.

Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Fire Email 2024.horton@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line (602)-551-7327 • Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

This Order shall be in effect from December 30, 2024, at 5:00pm through May 30, 2025, at 06:00pm, unless rescinded.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Horton Fire on the Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

The Described Area consists of all National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the intersection of the State Route (SR)-260 and NFS Road 289, then following north along NFS Road 289 for approximately 3.85 miles to the junction with Tonto Creek near Hatchery Trailhead, then following north along Tonto Creek for approximately 1.5 miles to the junction of the three National Forest Boundaries (Tonto, Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves), then following northeast along the Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests boundaries for approximately 0.45 miles to the junction with NFS Road 300, then following generally southeast along the north side of NFS Road 300 for approximately 18 miles to the intersection with SR-260 then following generally west along the north side of SR-260 approximately 13 miles back to the point of beginning at the intersection with NFS Road 289 and SR-260.

For complete details, see order below or visit the National Forest closure page, linked below.

Horton Fire public meeting will take place on Monday, December 30, 2024. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541.