Horton Fire grows to 500 acres with 0% Containment; SET evacuations remain in place
Firefighters battle steep, rugged terrain as the Horton Fire swells to 500 acres, prompting SET evacuation alerts and an emergency closure in Tonto National Forest.
Highlights: The Horton Fire is currently at 500 acres, 0% containment and 122 personnel.
On Wednesday, firefighters responded to a 10-acre spot fire across Highline Trail, west of Horton
Springs. Ground and air resources worked to contain the spot fire quickly and successfully. The east
flank of the fire remains very active, burning in steep and rugged terrain in a remote portion of the
Mogollon Rim. Additionally, an Emergency Closure Order is in place on the Tonto National Forest
and the communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane
Grey Cabins remain in SET evacuation status.
Operations: Today, crews will prep along Horton Trail and continue holding existing fireline while
scouting for additional contingency line opportunities. Firefighters are also cold trailing where needed,
which is the process of identifying any remaining hot spots and digging them out to ensure the fire is
completely out. The fire continues to be a full suppression fire where we have the highest likelihood of
success.
Temperatures will remain above average today, ranging from the mid-30s to upper-60s and smoke may
also impact local communities and roadways. Residents and travelers are encouraged to maintain
awareness as warm, dry and smoky conditions persist throughout the week. As a reminder, an in-person community meeting is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. Please note that this meeting will not be live-streamed.
Weather: Long term forecasts call for dry conditions through Christmas Day with relative humidity in
the low teens, temperature range of 30s to 60s and light winds.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low ranging from 25-30 degrees. North/northeast winds at 10mph.
Closures: An emergency closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 18, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025. 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. Please visit the Alerts and Notices page for more information. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the
public are asked to avoid the fire area.
Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke will
be heavier in the mornings as it settles into the lower elevations and will lift as temperatures increase.
Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to
take precautionary measures. Learn more about smoke impacts on the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality website.
Size: 500 acres
Start Date: December 14, 2024
Cause: Under investigation
Completion: 0%
Total personnel: 122
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
Fuels: Ponderosa Pine, Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chapparal
Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto.
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Fire Email [email protected]
Fire Information Line (602)-551-7327 • Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
