Arizona

The latest Pinery Fire Update is now posted on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5795

Pinery Fire 60% Contained



Date/Time Reported: reported Saturday, May 12th, around 1:30pm

With summer temperatures at hand and the landscape extremely dry across Arizona, dragging chains, tossing cigarette butts or even having underinflated tires can start fires along state highways.

To get ready for fire season, Arizona Department of Transportation crews mow vegetation along highway shoulders in the winter and spring. They remove brush, thin trees and spray fire retardant within the ADOT right-of-way to prevent fires and slow the spread of those that occur.

A brush fire has closed State Route 89A southbound in Prescott Valley, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The closure is at Viewpoint Drive, milepost 325.

Northbound SR 89A is narrowed to one lane in the area.

There is no estimated time to reopen southbound lanes.

Actualmente, el Departamento Forestal y de Manejo de Incendios de Arizona, la Agencia de Administración de Terrenos, los Bosques Nacionales, los Parques Nacionales y los Refugios Nacionales implementarán restricciones a las fogatas y a fumar en la mayor parte de Arizona. Las restricciones varían dependiendo en las condiciones localizadas. En la mayor parte del estado las siguientes actividades están prohibidas.

Resources: 648 personnel including 14 crews, 7 helicopters, 43 engines, 7 dozers, 17 watertenders, and other support personnel.

Today’s rain and snow minimized fire activity.Crews took advantage of the weather to strengthen fire lines.

Tonight, engines and crews will continue to mop up and patrol.

The current weather system has passed by the fire area and warm weather will return in the coming days. By this weekend, fuels in the fire area will be available to burn. 

Strong southwest winds will continue to be a hazard through Tuesday. Spotting will be common and problematic. There is a potential for very active to extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread and moderate to long range spotting through the day. As topography aligns with the wind, expect to see an increase in fire behavior.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. that covers Arizona, including all of the Tonto National Forest, due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Visitors to the Tonto National Forest are advised to refrain from having a campfire when Red Flag Warning conditions exist.  This advisory covers all campfires across the affected area, including in developed campgrounds.

Drivers across Arizona should be prepared for strong winds, possible blowing dust and an increased fire danger on Thursday, April 12.

The National Weather Service has issued advisories covering the entire state forecasting strong winds and low humidity, conditions that could make driving hazardous in areas prone to blowing dust and for drivers with high-profile vehicles.

The Knoll wildfire is happening approximately 13 miles northeast of Payson. It is 10 acres in size and is zero percent containted.

Cause:   Initial investigation indicates this wildfire was human caused by fireworks.  Fireworks are ALWAYS illegal on all National Forests in Arizona and New Mexico.

Small nonfarm businesses in 15 Arizona counties and neighboring counties in California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Jan. 1, 2018.