The lightning-caused Fish Creek fire was discovered on Oct. 26, 2023, and has grown to 3,300 acres. The fire is burning with low intensity while consuming forest debris on the ground. Firefighters are monitoring the growth of this fire that is 32 miles southwest of Alpine, north of Forest Road 25U, south of the Black River, east of Forest Road 25, and west of the Fish Creek drainage.
This fire is being closely monitored for impacts to values at risk. A point-protection strategy will be implemented if the values at risk become threatened. There are no evacuations or threats to communities or infrastructure.
As a reminder, the Alpine Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests implemented road closures for public safety in the vicinity of the Fish Creek fire near Wildcat Crossing. Road closures are in effect until rescinded on Forest Roads 25U, 701, 25B (from the junction with the 8793 all the way to the end of 25B), and the 24U. This closure is in effect until significant moisture has diminished the threat to public safety from the fire on these roads.
This weekend’s weather forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and light precipitation over the fire area. Drift smoke is expected to settle into the Black River drainage, especially in the overnight hours. Smoke is visible from Forest Roads 25, 24, and the 25B. Information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.
Visit the A-S National Forests website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.