Cold weather event reduces Horton Fire behavior; Containment continues to increase
Highlights: Today’s change in the weather has brought colder temperatures and higher winds into the area. This incoming weather has diminished fire activity, and fire crews are continuing full suppression strategies on the Horton Fire. Yesterday and overnight, firefighters addressed unburned areas on the interior of the fire while also holding and patrolling the edge of the fire, especially along the western edge and the SR-260 corridor.
Smoke: Smoke and flames continue to be visible in the area. Visibility may be poor at times. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/.
Operations: Fire crews will continue patrolling and monitoring the western and southern edges of the fire while also scouting the fire perimeter on the northern and eastern edges today. Work will continue in the interior of the fire, addressing unburned pockets of fuels and hazardous areas where it is safe and appropriate to do so. For this next operational period, firefighters are scouting and preparing the northern and eastern edges of the fire as this cold weather system moves through the area.
Weather: It will be cold today, with average temperatures in the area rising to the mid-20s. Winds are also expected to increase out of the northeast at 18-22 mph and gusting to 35 mph. There is a minimal chance of precipitation. Fire behavior is expected to diminish with this colder weather and possible precipitation, but it is not expected to extinguish the fire.
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 Christopher Creek, Hunter Creek, R-C Scout Camp, 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. Visit https://www.facebook.com/GCPHCS/ for more information on evacuation notifications.
Temporary lane closures are occurring on SR-260 due to smoke from the Horton Fire. Travelers are encouraged to 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.
Fire details:
Size: 8,337 acres
Start date: December 14, 2024
Cause: Under Investigation
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
Containment: 23%
Total personnel: 525
Fuel: Timber, chaparral
Resources: 8 crews, 32 engines, 3 helicopters, 1 bulldozer, 4 water tenders
Information Links and Contacts:
Phone Number: (602) 551-7327 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Email: [email protected]
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest
