Emergency Bulletins

Wildfire Icon
Containment increases to 39% on West Fire, Preacher Fire is 90% contained
9/19/2024 - 9:35 am
wildfire | smoke | Tonto National Forest | West Fire | Preacher Fire | no drone zone | Ready Set Go!

West and Preacher Fires Update: September 19, 2024

The West fire is now 39% contained. Containment was added across the northeast perimeter and across the east side of the fire to the Control Road. Yesterday firefighters continued ignitions on Milk Ranch Point and to the northwest of Camp Geronimo in the Turkey Springs area. Crews continued finalizing ignition plans for the Control Road and the control line east of Pine.

Today is expected to be another suitable day for ignitions that will achieve the desired result of consuming hazardous fuels and improving the ecosystem. The...

Learn More
Wildfire Icon
Preacher Fire 90% contained, West Fire now 12% contained
9/18/2024 - 9:35 am
wildfire | smoke | West Fire | Preacher Fire | Tonto National Forest | no drone zone | Ready Set Go!

West and Preacher Fires Update: September 18, 2024

The West Fire continues to slowly back down the south and east slopes of Milk Ranch Point as firefighters work towards the final phase of their plan. Yesterday crews and aerial resources continued establishing fire off Milk Ranch Point to achieve desired fire effects and consumption of the buildup of fuels. They also continued mopping up the perimeters on the north and east side, extinguishing any remaining heat.

Today, the focus will be to complete ignitions around the west side of Camp Geronimo. They are patiently waiting for...

Learn More
Wildfire Icon
Southwest Complex hosts open house as Preacher Fire reaches 62% containment
9/16/2024 - 8:23 am
wildfire | smoke | Preacher Fire | West Fire | Tonto National Forest | no drone zone | Ready Set Go!

The Southwest Complex Incident Management Team will host a community Open House on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pine Community Center. 

Operations: Increased potential for rain may slow the fire today, but firefighters will continue to look for opportunities for ignitions. Yesterday, crews continued igniting on Milk Ranch Point. They added additional fire to the west of Bray Creek Ranch to create more depth in burned area from the perimeter before aerial ignitions began around the Arizona Trail. In Camp Geronimo, firefighters were able to apply fire just...

Learn More
Wildfire Icon
Successful ignitions on West fire, containment increase and evacuation downgrade on Preacher fire
9/15/2024 - 10:32 am
wildfire | smoke | Preacher Fire | West Fire | Tonto National Forest | no drone zone | Ready Set Go!

West and Preacher Fires Update: September 15, 2024

Yesterday, firefighters were able to continue ignitions on the West Fire. Ignitions were successful from Bray Creek Ranch south to the Control Road. In the tops of the Webber drainages, helicopters and UAS worked with patience to slowly backfire down from the tops of the drainages, encouraging desired fire effects. For the safety of firefighters, power was turned off for part of the day around Camp Geronimo. This was done in preparation in case they needed to start ignitions around structures. Power was restored after it was...

Learn More
Wildfire Icon
Continued successful ignition on West fire and containment on Preacher fire
9/14/2024 - 9:21 am
wildfire | smoke | Tonto National Forest | West Fire | Preacher Fire | no drone zone | Ready Set Go! | Southwest Area Incident Management Team

West Fire and Preacher Fire Update, September 14, 2024

Yesterday, firefighters successfully added fire in East Webber Creek and from the Rim Road down to Bray Creek Ranch. On the northwest side, firefighters aided by aerial ignitions from helicopters and uncrewed aircraft, added fire along the planned perimeter down to Milk Ranch Point. Late in the day fire continued to back down drainages above Camp Geronimo. Overnight, firefighters took advantage of higher humidities to continue igniting under conditions that moderated fire behavior. Today is expected to provide suitable weather...

Learn More