Firing operations continue on the Horton Fire, creating a potential increase of smoke impacts to the area

Highlights: With the Horton Fire moving down off the Mogollon Rim and onto the face, in addition to continued firing operations, there is increased visible smoke and flames along the top of the rim which can be seen from State Highway 260. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/.

Operations: Firefighters will continue working below the Mogollon Rim and along the Horton Creek Trail today, enhancing control features by removing available fuels with the use of hand tools and planned ignitions, from both the ground and the air, as conditions allow. Air resources may be less available today due to forecasted increasing and sporadic winds, especially on top of the rim. The fire is expected to continue moving south and off the face of the rim, and into the head of Horton Creek. Firefighters are working around the clock in this area to secure the fire line in this steep and difficult terrain. Structure protection resources laid over 7,000 feet of hose yesterday near the areas of Tonto Creek Estates and Christopher Creek. As additional incident personnel continue to arrive, the public is reminded to please practice caution when traveling in the area.

TFR: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR 4/0101) is in place for the Horton Fire. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_0101.html

Weather: The fire area is forecasted to experience another day of near record to record-breaking temperatures today with increased winds and low humidity. Temperatures will range from mid-50s to high-60s with relative humidity at 15% and gusts up to 20mph.

Closures: A closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Evacuations, Road Closures and Forest Orders: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, Kohls Ranch, and Zane Grey Cabins are in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area. Highway closures are not currently in effect due to the Horton Fire, however reduced visibility due to smoke on SR-260 is possible. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/. A Forest closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire as well as protecting assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Fire details:

  • Size: 1,890 acres
  • Start date: December 14, 2024
  • Cause: Under Investigation
  • Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
  • Containment: 17%
  • Total personnel: 418
  • Fuel: Timber, chaparral
  • Resources: 7 crews, 32 engines, 2 helicopters, 1 bulldozer, 4 water tenders

Information Links and Contacts:

This is a map of the Horton Fire on January 4 2025
Source
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1
January 4, 2025 - 11:37am
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