Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Arizona Department of Transportation has closed a section of US Route 191 beginning at 2:00pm Friday, July 23rd, and is expected to reopen on Sunday, July 25th at 8:00am.

Due to a combination of high intensity burn scars from the 2021 Bear Fire and the immediate forecast for heavy rains, ADOT is closing portions of US Route 191 to through traffic in the Rose Peak area between mileposts 204 and 207. Large debris flows and flooding in this area is possible and present dangerous conditions to travelers.

Updates are available on the ADOT Traveler Information page at az511.com.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will rescind all fire restrictions on Friday, July 16th at 6:00am.

Increased amounts of rain in recent weeks and cooler temperatures have combined to reduce the fire risk. Although reduced, wildfire risk remains. Avoid using campfires if conditions are dry, hot or a safe location is not available. It is illegal to leave a campfire unattended or use fireworks on National Forest land.

Monsoonal effects have sharply moderated fire activity with only minimal creeping and smoldering fire behavior observed yesterday. Firefighters were able to take advantage of cooler temps and higher humidities and gained additional containment yesterday. Crews will continue to monitor fire movement in Bear Creek and along critical areas on the southern flanks. Firefighters will patrol and mop-up to strengthen control lines.

Fire activity was low to moderate yesterday as successful burnout operations continued along the northern flanks. Smaller burnout operations along the west and south sides have also been effective at bringing several segments of the perimeter down to indirect lines. The primary objective is to keep the fire south of FR 26, west of Highway 191 and east of FR 24. Firefighters will continue to look for opportunities to gain additional containment and will work to protect the values at risk.

The Horton Complex was most active on the western flanks yesterday where it reached to the bottom of Bear creek. The east side, where containment has been achieved, has moderated but fire managers will keep a close eye on this area as it has the potential for increased fire activity when forecasted conditions become drier. The four fires within the Horton Complex are expected to merge into one and are expected to actively back, flank and rollout into the Bear, Horton, Willow, Thomas, and Hannagan drainages.

Communities that were asked to evacuate were allowed to return to their homes at 6:00 am this morning. Please stay diligent and be aware of current fire conditions.

Overview: 
Clouds and light rain showers provided a welcome relief, slowing fire growth on both the Wyrick and West Chev fires. This will give firefighters an opportunity to build fireline directly next to the fire, taking advantage of this temporary reprieve to gain containment on the Wyrick Fire.

Firefighters continue to scout for opportunities to construct fire lines and are monitoring fire movement closely. Burnout operations will be conducted as needed and only when safe to do so. Aviation resources will continue to be utilized to minimize growth in critical areas of the fire. To mitigate the risks to adjacent values, structure protection plans are in place and prep work in those areas will continue. Exceptional drought conditions have produced historically low fuel moistures, so the potential exists for extreme fire behavior.