Firing operations underway to protect communities near Horton Fire; Smoke impacts expected

Highlights: Firefighters had a successful day of firing operations and fireline enhancement yesterday and last night. Today, work will continue around Promontory Point, with ongoing ignitions below the rim between Horton Creek Trail and eastward towards Christopher Creek as work continues on this full suppression fire.

A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page.

Smoke: Smoke and flames continue to be visible in the area and can be seen from State Route 260. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/.

Operations: Firefighters continue working on both day and night shifts on the Horton Fire. Yesterday, winds limited aerial firing operations above the rim. Heavy equipment successfully constructed dozer line on the north end of the fire, tying into existing handline and further securing containment features. Today, crews will conduct firing operations along the Mogollon Rim, on the Horton Creek Trail east of the community of Tonto Creek Estates and west/north of Christopher Creek to assist with reducing fuel availability and help control the main fire’s spread. Crews will continue patrolling and securing fireline as structure protection resources lay hose and conduct point protection in nearby communities.

Weather: The fire area is forecasted to experience temperatures from the high-40s to low-50s with relative humidity up to 60% and calmer winds. No precipitation is expected in the next 24-48 hours.

TFR: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR 5/0461) is in place for the Horton Fire through January 31. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_5_0461.html.

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 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 should monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.

A Forest closure order is in effect to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire as well as protecting firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Fire details:

  • Size: 1,972 acres
  • Start date: December 14, 2024
  • Cause: Under Investigation
  • Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
  • Containment: 17%
  • Total personnel: 416
  • 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 Janusry 5 2025
Source
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1
January 5, 2025 - 10:47am
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