smoke

Location: Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest

Aerial seeding of the Frye Fire began yesterday as part of the implementation of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER).  Approximately 180 acres were accomplished before the flying operation was shut down due to unfavorable weather conditions.  The operation began again today and will continue until the project is completed.  The airplane being used for this project is an AT-802 Air Tractor capable of carrying approximately 6,000 pounds of seeding material to be broadcast over the fire area.  Since the majority of the area being seeded on the fire exceeds 8,000 feet, the load has been r

Firefighters observed an increased amount of backing and flanking fire behavior along ridgelines yesterday as the lightning-caused Pine Hollow wildfire increased to an estimated size of 1,600 acres.

The Goodwin Fire Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment team has completed an evaluation of the effects of the fire on watershed conditions to determine the potential risk to human life and safety, property, and critical natural and cultural resources. They have also assessed whether appropriate and effective stabilization measures that can be implemented on national forest lands in a timely manner to reduce unacceptable risks from potential flooding and debris flow threats.

The Pine Hollow fire continued to grow today and is now just under 500 acres, the fire did receive moderate precipitation over the weekend and more is forecasted for tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s planned strategy is to take advantage of recent wetting conditions and blackline perimeters around sensitive areas within the 10,295 acre planning area boundary.

“We’re going to do so on our terms, when we’re not being pushed and can control the intensity of fire behavior in and around sensitive areas that we want to protect,” said Type IV Incident Commander Dave Veater.

Cooler temperatures and precipitation that was received on the Hyde Fire has allowed Fire Mangers to lift the area closure on Friday, July 21 at 12:00 pm; residents and visitors can resume traveling in the area.  

The public can obtain additional fire information via the following:

Tucson, Ariz. (July 19, 2017) Due to widespread precipitation across the area, additional rain in the weather forecast, and a rise in fuel moistures, it has been determined that the likelihood of wildfire has lessened to the degree that the restrictions can be rescinded.

For public safety, the majority of the Frye Fire area on Mt. Graham remains closed.

The Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) has completed a soil burn severity map of the Frye Fire.  Based on their analysis 1,917 acres received a rating of “High” burn severity, 5,318 acres were “Moderate” burn severity, and 31,447 acres received a rating of “Low” severity.  These ratings reflect the level of impact that the fire had on soil cover and vegetation and are used to project the impact on associated watersheds. 

A lightning-ignited fire was reported yesterday, July 19, 2017, in the Rincon Mountains at approximately 3:15 p.m. It is located about two miles northeast of Spud Rock. The fire is estimated to be approximately an acre.

Firefighters are currently monitoring and assessing the fire. Fire behavior is currently low, dampened by humidity and recent rain. There’s a chance of additional precipitation in the coming days. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and take action as needed.