Horton Fire remains active as Southwest Area Team 1 assumes command

Highlights: The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Horton Fire today at 7 a.m. With this transition, the public can expect to see an increase in fire traffic across the area as additional resources continue arriving on-scene through the new year.  

Operations: The Horton Fire is now 1,124 acres and 17% containment with fire continuing to burn in a steep and remote portion of the Mogollon Rim. Today, crews will patrol and monitor fire activity. Continued growth is anticipated as fire moves through dense fuels east and south along Promontory Point and east of Horton Springs. Crews will continue their work to prep lines in anticipation of future firing operations.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies and slightly cooler temperatures. Temperatures remain above average with low relative humidity and no precipitation anticipated.

Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire will be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke Outlook information is available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/. Air quality information is available at https://www.azdeq.gov/.

Closures: A new emergency closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded.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: 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.

Safety: 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/.

Fire details:

  • Size: 1,124 acres
  • Start Date:  December 14, 2024
  • Cause: Under investigation
  • Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
  • Containment: 17%
  • Total personnel: 247
  • Fuels: Timber, chapparal
  • Resources: 2 crews, 8 engines, 1 helicopter, 1 bulldozer, 2 water tenders

Information Links and Contacts:

This is a map of the Horton Fire on December 31 2024
Source
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1
December 31, 2024 - 11:10am
Keyword