Crews focus on holding the Horton Fire to it’s current size during high winds

Highlights:

With cold and wet conditions reducing fire behavior, firefighters continued patrols, mop-up efforts, and prep work along the fire perimeter. Crews addressed internal pockets of unburned fuels, which may produce visible smoke and flames but remain well within the interior of the fire. Improved containment lines have led Gila County to lower evacuation levels to READY for communities along the western containment line.

A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 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:

With today’s high winds, firefighters are focused on keeping the fire within its current footprint by strengthening and monitoring containment lines. Crews will patrol key areas, including the Horton Creek Trail and SR-260 corridor, while also working to reinforce containment lines in the Christopher Creek area to reduce evacuation levels.

Weather:

Cold temperatures and high winds persist, though temperatures are expected to rise slightly. The weather system brings strong northeasterly winds, increasing the potential for drier conditions and elevated fire activity as humidity decreases.

Smoke:

Smoke remains visible, with heavier concentrations during the morning and evening. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit Wildland Fire Smoke Outlooks.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR):

TFR 5/0461 is in place for the Horton Fire through January 31, 2025. For details, visit FAA TFR Information.

Evacuations, Road Closures, and Forest Orders:

  • Evacuations: As of January 8, 2025, Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins are now in READY status. Communities along the SR-260 corridor (Christopher Creek, Hunter Creek, R-C Scout Camp, and Kohls Ranch) remain in SET status.
  • Road Closures: Smoke along the SR-260 corridor may result in temporary lane closures. Travelers should check conditions via the AZ Department of Transportation.
  • Forest Orders: A forest closure order remains in effect to protect public safety and firefighting personnel. For details, visit Tonto National Forest Alerts and Notices.

Fire Details:

  • Size: 8,337 acres
  • Start Date: December 14, 2024
  • Cause: Under Investigation
  • Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
  • Containment: 23%
  • Personnel: 486
  • Fuels: Timber, chaparral
  • Resources: 5 crews, 30 engines, 4 helicopters, 1 bulldozer, 4 water tenders

Information Links and Contacts:

Horton Fire Update 1_09_25
Source
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1
January 9, 2025 - 10:40am
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