Horton Fire reaches 17% containment as crews face challenges in rugged terrain
Highlights: The Horton Fire remains at 928 acres with an increase in containment to 17%.
Operations: Yesterday, fire activity primarily occurred on the east end of the fire area, resulting in slow and steady east and south progression northeast of Horton Spring.
Today, increased fire activity and smoke are possible as the region experiences another drying trend, and fuels continue to burn within the rugged terrain of the Mogollon Rim. The remoteness of this area make access challenging and containment of the east flank difficult, but crews continue to monitor conditions. Additional firing operations may occur to reduce threats to Forest Road 300 and FR 76 and other values at risk. Crews will patrol the area, improve containment lines and conduct point protection of infrastructure as needed.
Weather: Temperatures will reach the mid-50s today with relative humidity at 30-40% and light winds from 5-10mph.
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. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.
The Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery is also closed due to the Horton Fire.
Safety: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins remain 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.
Smoke: Increased smoke from the Horton Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. More information is available on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at https://www.azdeq.gov/.
Fire Information:
- Size: 928 acres
- Start Date: December 14, 2024
- Cause: Human caused and under investigation
- Containment: 17%
- Total personnel: 150
- Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
- Fuels: Ponderosa: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chapparal
Information information:
- 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.
