Crews work through snow and frigid temperatures to strengthen fire containment

Highlights:

Firefighters worked through snow and frigid temperatures yesterday to strengthen containment along the fire perimeter. With increasing containment, excess equipment is being backhauled, and crews are actively monitoring and patrolling the area. Efforts continue to address remaining pockets of heat within the fire perimeter to ensure the fire stays within its current footprint.

A public meeting is scheduled for today at 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.

Operations:

Fire crews are focusing on mop-up and suppression repair in areas along containment lines, including Horton Creek Trail, SR-260, and FR-284 near Christopher Creek. As containment increases, crews are backhauling excess equipment and redirecting resources to other areas. Firefighters continue monitoring and addressing hotspots in heavy fuels and remain prepared to respond to any fire behavior changes.

Weather:

Calmer and drier weather is forecasted for today, though cold temperatures will persist. Gusts are expected throughout the day, contributing to the drying of fuels.

Smoke:

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

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR):

TFR 5/1983 is in place for the Horton Fire through January 31, 2025. For more 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 in READY status. Communities along the SR-260 corridor, including Christopher Creek, Hunter Creek, R-C Scout Camp, and Kohls Ranch, remain in SET status.
  • Road Closures: Smoke along the SR-260 corridor may cause temporary lane closures. Travelers are encouraged to monitor conditions via the AZ Department of Transportation.
  • Forest Orders: A forest closure order is in effect to protect public health and safety as well as firefighting personnel. For more information, 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: 55%
  • Personnel: 460
  • Fuels: Timber, chaparral
  • Resources: 4 crews, 28 engines, 3 helicopters, 1 bulldozer, 4 water tenders

Information Links and Contacts:

Horton Fire Update 1_10_25
Source
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1
January 10, 2025 - 10:15am
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