Crews holding fireline after successful firing operations; Public meeting tonight in Christopher Creek

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Closures: A closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded.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

Fire details:

  • Size: 1,164 acres
  • Start Date: December 14, 2024
  • Cause: Under investigation
  • Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona 
  • Containment: 17%
  • Total personnel: 334
  • Fuels: Timber, chaparral
  • Resources: 4 crews, 20 engines, 1 helicopter, 1 bulldozer, 2 water tenders

Information Links and Contacts:

This is a map of the Horton Fire on January 2 2025
Source
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1
January 2, 2025 - 11:14am
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