Emergency Bulletins

Tonto temporarily closing portion of Workman Creek Road
6/22/2021 - 3:01 pm
Payson Ranger District | Workman Creek Road | Tonto National Forest

The Payson Ranger District will finish steps to temporarily close a section of Workman Creek Road on June 23 to protect the public from unsafe road conditions.
 
The closure involves Forest Road 487 (Workman Creek Road) starting one-quarter mile west of Workman Creek Falls, then continuing east/southeast and ending at the Aztec Lookout Tower on Aztec Peak.

The closure also includes Forest Road 487A (Murphy Ranch Road) starting at its intersection with Forest Road 487, then continuing north to its terminus at Murphy Ranch.

Despite recent road improvement and...

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Walnut Fire: use caution when driving I-10 between Benson and Willcox
6/22/2021 - 1:25 pm
Walnut | fire | restrictions | Mae West Peak | Dragoon | Texas Canyon | smoke

The Walnut Fire was reported on Mae West Peak, in the Texas Canyon-area of Cochise County, Sunday, June 20, 2021 around 6:00 am. The fire was mapped by air Tuesday at 6,800 acres and is approximately seven miles northwest of Dragoon.

Firefighters responded Sunday and have been working in rugged terrain and extreme heat over the past two days. The Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team was brought in and as of Tuesday has assumed command of the Walnut Fire. The team provides more resources to support firefighters in the full suppression and management of this fire.

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Horton Complex Fire: "SET" evacuation level for Hannagan Meadow
6/22/2021 - 12:56 pm
Hannagan Meadow | Horton Complex | Willow Creek | Josh Ranch

Evacuation levels for the area of Hannagan Meadows has moved to a “Set” status. “Set” status means Be Alert: Know how to receive latest news updates and information on fires occurring in your area.

Operations: 
Firefighters are continuing efforts today to assess and protect structures on the 4,355 acre fire. Yesterday, they proceeded with constructing fire lines and completed additional burnout operations when it was safe, and the weather permitted. Today, winds are expected out of the northwest at 7-11mph and will shift to a southwest direction this afternoon...

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Rafael and Rock Butte fires: Rugged Terrain and Gusty Winds Drive Fire Management Tactics
6/22/2021 - 11:28 am
Rafael | Rock Butte | fires | Wildfires | Coconino | Yavapai County | smoke | evacuations | spring | Kaibab | forests

Fire behavior on Monday was less erratic than the previous day.  The Rafael Fire was active with considerably less growth than the day before.  At 24,064 acres, the Rafael fire spans the Prescott, Kaibab, and Coconino National Forests as well as the Yavapai and Coconino County lines. Reconnaissance from the air is the best approach for fire managers to assess fire management strategies in the remote terrain in and around Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. Steep canyons walls and dense vegetation are driving the options for fire management. Today crews will be assessing and prepping containment...

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Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke
6/22/2021 - 11:02 am
Rafael | Snake | Coconino County | Westwood | Camp Navajo | Equestrian Estates | Flagstaff Ranch | Upper Oak Creek Canyon | University Heights | Mountain Dell | Kachina Village | Forest Highlands | Pine Del | Woody Mountain | smoke | wildfire

Smoke from the Rafael and Snake Fires continue to affect several communities in the southern part of Coconino County including areas south of 1-40 and west of I-17.

Anyone who can see, taste, or smell smoke should curtail outdoor activity. People with heart disease, lung disease, or asthma should avoid the outdoors entirely, as should children and the elderly.

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of small particles, gases, and water vapor. The primary health concern is the small particles. Not everyone who is exposed to smoke will have health problems. Many factors influence a person’s...

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