Gila County

The Tonto National Forest will continue Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to extreme fire danger in all vegetation types across the forest. The extreme fire danger is due to insufficient monsoonal moisture this season, high temperatures and continued dry fuel conditions.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions were set to expire on Sept. 30, but were extended through Oct. 31, 2020, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. The purpose of these restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions.

This is the final update for the Alder and Rockhouse Fires unless significant events occur. Beginning Saturday, August 5, visit the San Carlos Apache Forest Resources Program – Forestry Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY or call 928.475.2326 for fire information. 

No smoke was observed during aerial surveys on the Alder Fireyesterday. Chipping will continue on the 1300 Road today.  

Crews on the Griffin Fire are mulching limbs and branches removed in suppression efforts to help restore the land to its natural state and minimize potential soil erosion. Vegetation within the fire’s perimeter continues to smolder. Crews will monitor and respond to any activity near the fire’s edge to prevent perimeter growth. 
 
Griffin Fire details
61,822 acres       
88% contained                  
Cause: Lightning                               
Vegetation: Grass and Brush  

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has reopened US Highway 60 between Globe and SR 73. There is a reduced speed limit of 55 mph due to firefighters working in the area. Please use caution when travelling, observe posted speed limits, and drive with lights on for safety. For current road status call 511, visit https://az511.gov/, https://www.az511.com/about/mobileapp or follow https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT.  
 

Firefighters have made significant progress along the Highway 60 corridor. Firefighters continue to work in the area, monitoring, patrolling, and continuing suppression rehabilitation. Call 511, visit https://az511.gov/ or https://www.az511.com/about/mobileapp or follow https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT for current road status.  
 

Be alert to flood warnings with thunderstorm activity.

SUPERSTITION FIRE: The HWY 88 corridor will be reopening at 6:00 am today, August 30, 2020 from Lost Dutchman State Park up to Fish Creek where the road was closed at the washout.

YESTERDAY: The Superstition Fire showed minimal growth yesterday and received heavy rain last night. Primary fire activity was in the northeast, within Superstition Wilderness.

The Hidden Fire is a lightning caused wildfire reported on 08/25/2020 that is burning on the border of the Tonto Basin and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts. The fire is located near Chalk Mountain and Skunk Tank Canyon. The Hidden Fire is currently 4,035 acres, with 0% containment.

As a result of the Griffin Fire, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have recommended that the following areas be placed on a “GO” mode on the 
Ready, Set, Go model: 

All residents on the East side of US Highway 60, North from the ADOT yard to Winters Ranch. Including all residents off Fairgrounds Road, Winters Ranch, and Johnson Ranch. 

GO – Be Alert Danger in your area is imminent and life threatening. 

Firefighters are on scene of a 3,400 acre wildfire on the Tonto Basin Ranger District. The Meddler Fire is burning in the Cherry Creek area off FS Road 203, 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt. The fire is burning in grass and light brush. Firefighters are working to mitigate threats to 10 outbuildings, 5 residences, and 500kV powerlines.

There are 5 engines, 1 hand crew, 1 helicopter, and 1 Air Attack plane assigned to the incident. There are no evacuations in effect at this time, however, the Rockhouse Community has been placed on “SET” status.

As a result of the successful firefighting efforts on the Salt, Gin, and Griffin Fires, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have determined that the following areas are safe to repopulate:

• Areas on both sides of State Route 188 From Bixby Road to the 188 / 288 Junction. Including all of Wheatfields, and all areas on Hicks Road.

Residents of these areas are safe to return and should remain in "SET" mode on the Ready, Set, Go model.

SET – Be Alert

Know there is significant danger in your area.