Emergency Bulletins

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Skeleton Fire grows to more than 20,000 acres
8/05/2024 - 3:03 pm
wildfire | wildfire safety | smoke | Skeleton Fire | Agua Fria canyon | Agua Fria National Monument | Tonto National Forest | no drone zone

The Skeleton Fire was reported on the afternoon of Aug. 3 on the Joes Hill area east of the Agua Fria canyon in the Agua Fria National Monument. The fire started in a remote area with limited access. Variable  gusty winds from passing thunderstorms drove the fire throughout the weekend. The fire has burned through high desert brush and grass and has expanded to 20,963 acres. It was most active to the east and has burned into the Tonto National Forest.

Jurisdiction: Hassayampa Field Office, Bureau of Land Management

Safety: Wildfires are a no...

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Multiple new fire starts near the Sand Stone and Deer Fire areas
8/05/2024 - 10:45 am
wildfire | smoke | wildfire safety | Sand Stone fire | Deer Fire | Y Bar Fire | Round 3 Fire | Southwest Incident Management Team 4 | Tonto National Forest | no drones | lightning caused fire | excessive heat warning

Due to record-breaking temperatures, outflow winds, and over 800 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, several new fires started near the Sand Stone and Deer Fire areas yesterday. The Southwest Incident Management Team 4 is responding to two new fire starts within their designated planning area. The Y Bar Fire is located approximately 5 miles east of the Deer Fire and initially estimated at 150 acres. The Round 3 Fire is located near Bushnell, east of State Route 87 and mapped at 33 acres. Firefighting resources have been dispatched to fully suppress these two new lightning-caused fires....

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The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6
8/05/2024 - 9:32 am
pollution | air pollution | Ozone High Pollution | Arizona Department of Environmental Quality | ADEQ | ozone high pollution advisory | HPA

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6.

Take Action

  • Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
  • Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
  • Reduce wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
  • Use low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or...
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Excessive heat tests the Sand Stone and Deer Fires
8/04/2024 - 10:09 am
wildfire | smoke | Sand Stone fire | Deer Fire | Davenport Fire | Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4

The acreage and percent containment of the Sand Stone and Deer Fires remain unchanged despite yesterday’s record high temperatures and low relative humidities. During a reconnaissance flight, firefighters observed dark grey ash pits within the fire area, indicating some heat still remains in the interior. Drivers should expect to continue to see smoke within the burned area along the west side of State Route 87.

Weather: Very hot temperatures will continue today and Monday. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the area around the Sand Stone Fire through...

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Sand Stone and Deer Fire acreage remains unchanged
8/03/2024 - 10:44 am
wildfire | smoke | Sand Stone fire | Deer Fire | Davenport Fire | Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4

Despite higher temperatures and afternoon winds, firefighters have successfully increased containment of the Sand Stone Fire to 78 percent. Minimal smoke and fire activity were observed on both the Sand Stone and Deer Fires again yesterday. The “set” status for the community of Sunflower has been downgraded to “ready”.

Weather: An Excessive Heat Warning remains in place for the area around the Sand Stone Fire today through Monday. High temperatures combined with chances of afternoon thunderstorms and associated outflow winds may increase potential fire spread today...

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