Adessa Fire on the Mesa Ranger District
The lightning-caused Adessa Fire began July 24 on the Mesa Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, north of Superior. The wildfire is estimated at 1,424 acres with 0% containment, burning in tall grass and brush. Firefighters are actively working to suppress the fire and protect private property, range infrastructure, powerlines and recreation resources including the Arizona Trail. While containment hasn’t increased yet, crews have made significant progress in areas that may assist in future containment in the coming days.
Winds associated with thunderstorms contributed to increased activity and acreage Thursday evening. However, the precipitation that fell on the fire helped slow activity today on the west and east sides. The fire has spread on Montana Mountain where crews are constructing containment lines where needed and using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics in the Superstition Wilderness to extinguish hot spots. Fire officials expect the Adessa Fire to burn slowly as almost daily thunderstorms affect the area.
We understand concern from the local communities when there is smoke in the air. While we are actively suppressing this fire, we want to remind the public that this is a lightning-caused fire with a role in the ecosystem. It is not threatening communities or lives. The upper end of the fire is outside the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. The result from natural caused fires can promote better habitat for Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer and a variety of plant species, while helping to reduce the risk of future high-severity fires.
There are 95 resources assigned to the incident including 3 hand crews, 5 engines, 1 initial attack module, medics, rapid extraction support module, 2 type 1 helicopters, and air attack. Nationally we are in preparedness level 5, which means that resources are in high demand across the nation.
Fire managers urge the public to avoid the Woodbury Trailhead, accessed via Forest Road 172, Rogers Trough Trailhead off Forest Road 172A, and the nearby portion of the Arizona Trail. Avoiding these areas is the best way you can help firefighters in making progress towards containment.
