The Redmond and River Fires, both started by lightning, on the evening of Tuesday, September 3 are nearing containment and minimal fire activity is visible.
The Redmond Fire, burning north of Globe, reached 920 acres before firefighters received help from rain falling on the fire area. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area, and monitor fire activity as the weather returns to warmer and drier conditions. Forest Roads 223 and 644 remain temporarily closed to the public.
Today firefighters completed burnout operations along Forest Road 17 on top of New River Mesa which helped secure the eastern flank of the fire. The increase in acreage today was the result of unburned pockets of fuel being consumed within the fire perimeter.
Crews will continue to monitor and reinforce containment lines in preparation for thunderstorms which are forecasted for the area on Sunday and Monday.
Motorists are asked to be aware of their surroundings and slow down for fire vehicles on Seven Springs Road.
The River Fire grew to approximately 6,880 acres overnight, with the growth occurring within planned containment lines. Crews were successful in holding the fire between Forest Road 41 and Forest Road 17 on the northeast side of the fire. Crews extended burnout operations along Forest Road 17 back to the southwest on top of New River Mesa.
Today firefighters will work to reinforce containment lines in preparation for thunderstorms which are forecasted for the area on Sunday and Monday.
The River Fire grew to approximately 4,800 acres today, crews successfully held the fire between Forest Road 41 and Forest Road 17. Most of the growth was on the northeast side of the fire as crews completed burnout operations ahead of the main fire.
Airtankers were used to support burnout operations and helicopters were also utilized to extinguish hot spots along the fire’s edge.
Summary: The River Fire grew approximately 1,000 acres yesterday and overnight, and continues to burn on New River Mesa north toward Forest Road 41, away from communities and infrastructure. High heat and winds caused fire activity to increase. Fire crews worked through the night, conducting burnout operations ahead of the fire in an attempt to contain the fire south of Forest Road 41. Additional fire crews and aerial resources have been ordered to assist with the operations today.
The River Fire grew about 160 acres overnight, continuing to burn on New River Mesa away from communities and infrastructure. Fire activity increased today over previous days with winds and canyons lining up to push fire north toward Forest Road 41. Nearby residents may see a helicopter dropping water on hotspots.
Firefighter and public safety remains the number one priority. The suppression response strategy is to prevent the River Fire from moving toward communities while limiting firefighter exposure.
The River Fire grew in size today, reaching 1,800 acres before nightfall. It remains on top of New River Mesa, continuing to burn in grass and light brush north and east away from communities and other infrastructure. Firefighters will continue to monitor the River Fire’s progression and direction, and are ready to call in additional air and ground resources if necessary.
The River Fire was reported on Tuesday evening, after a monsoon storm moved through the area. Located on top of New River Mesa, dry grass and windy conditions caused the fire to grow rapidly and be visible from many parts of the north valley after dark. Firefighters responded last night, and are focusing their efforts on securing the southern edge of the fire.
Summary: The Clair Fire did not increase significantly in size today, because of slightly higher humidity and light winds. Firefighters on the ground and in the air were able to douse hot spots with water from helicopters, and firefighters on the ground will continue to build fireline to prevent the Clair Fire from moving any closer to Bartlett Lake.
The lightning caused Clair Fire was reported on Thursday, August 29. Burning in grass and desert shrub, it grew to approximately 670 acres yesterday afternoon because of outflow winds from nearby thunderstorms. The fire did not receive any rain, but the area was aided by an increase in humidity overnight. Firefighters on the ground with support from helicopter and airtankers, will work to continue securing the fire’s edge. Firefighters will be challenged by another day of excessive heat.
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