Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

The Willow Fire, ignited by lightning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Black Mesa Ranger District on July 28 when thunderstorms occupied the area, was reported on July 30. The fire is located within the 2007 Wilkins Fire footprint and is in a remote area where values at risk are minimal and no structures are threatened at this time. The type of fuel is timber, grass, and dead and down material.

The Bringham Fire was ignited by lightning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Clifton Ranger District on June 6, 2020. Fire activity over the past week has decreased with no additional growth in acreage. The type 4 organization that is currently managing the fire, led by Incident Commander Joe Names, will downsize firefighting resources on July 11, 2020.

A weather system that moved through the area of the Bringham Fire yesterday produced strong winds that tested fire control lines, but there was very limited movement to the east towards the Blue River corridor. Values at risk were identified in the Blue River area, and some of the mitigation included structure protection, handline construction and other vegetation preparation work.

Tomorrow, June 23 at 6:00AM, Carl Schwope’s Type 2 Incident Management Team will transition management of the Bringham Fire to the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Matt Bullmore. The White Mountain Zone Team managed the Bringham Fire prior to the Type 2 Team’s arrival on June 13. The number of personnel assigned to the fire will continue to decrease due to successful firefighting efforts.

Yesterday several members of the Lolo Hotshots hiked into Strayhorse Canyon to scout and assess different options for possible direct firefighting tactics. The hotshots were able to establish good communications, safety zones, and escape routes, allowing the remainder of the crew to join them. Today the crew will work to construct fireline to keep the fire on the south side of Strayhorse Creek. Air resources will be available to assist, dropping water on hot spots if needed.

For the continued protection of the public and our firefighters, Highway 191 remains closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 past Juan Miller Road and Mile Marker 225 at Blue Vista. The closure has been extended through June 27, 2020 and may be further extended as firefighters continue to secure the road corridor.

Fire managers have increased the containment of the Bringham Fire from 5% to 20% to reflect the hard work done by firefighters along the southern end of the fire and portions of Highway 191. Firefighters continue to patrol the containment lines and keep a watchful eye out for any fire activity. Weather will become hotter and drier over the weekend and into next week, with increasing temperatures and no chance for precipitation. Today strong winds will continue to test the containment of the Bringham Fire with possible gusts up to 25 miles per hour.

Increased humidity and cooler temperatures carried in by surrounding thunderstorms helped to limit fire spread yesterday. Firefighters will continue to stay alert for increased thunderstorm activity, including any new lightning-caused fire starts, as the chance of precipitation grows to 25 percent today.

Building on the strategies developed by the Type 3 Team, Carl Schwope’s Type 2 Incident Management Team focused yesterday’s efforts on the protection of Highway 191. Throughout the day, firefighters prepared the eastern edge of this National Scenic Byway by manually removing vegetation with mechanical tools ahead of planned burning operations. This advanced preparation allows firefighter to moderate fire behavior and control fire movement.