Aerial and ground firing operations underway on Horton Fire; Night operations begin tonight

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Closures: A closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded.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/.

Fire details:

  • Size: 1,352 acres
  • Start date: December 14, 2024
  • Cause: Under Investigation
  • Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
  • Containment: 17%
  • Total personnel: 352
  • Fuel: Timber, chaparral
  • Resources: 5 crews, 22 engines, 2 helicopters, 1 bulldozer, 4 water tenders

Information Links and Contacts:

This is a map of the Horton Fire on January 3 2025
Source
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1
January 3, 2025 - 11:41am
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