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The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has moved the community of Sunflower to “set” status. “Set” status means residents should identify the closest shelter or safe space, prepare an emergency kit, listen to public health officials and be ready to leave the area. The Ready, Set, Go! program is a nationwide program to educate residents about steps to take during an emergency. Sign up for emergency alerts at ready.maricopa.gov.

The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 assumed command of the Sand Stone, Deer, and Davenport Fires at 6:00 am this morning, Monday, July 29, 2024. A complex team brings additional resources and management capabilities to manage these incidents. Incident objectives include protecting values at risk, including adjacent Tribal and private lands, power and transportation infrastructure, cultural and natural resources including the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and Mazatzal Wilderness, threatened and endangered species, and range improvements.

The lightning-caused Adessa Fire began July 24 on the Mesa Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, north of Superior. The wildfire is estimated at 1,424 acres with 0% containment, burning in tall grass and brush. Firefighters are actively working to suppress the fire and protect private property, range infrastructure, powerlines and recreation resources including the Arizona Trail. While containment hasn’t increased yet, crews have made significant progress in areas that may assist in future containment in the coming days.

At 7am this morning, the Romero Fire transitioned to a Type 4 Organization. This will be the FINAL Press Release for the Romero Fire. Any future updates will be provided through the incident information sources listed below when significant activity occurs.

At 7am this morning, the Circle Fire transitioned to a Type 4 Organization. This will be the FINAL Press Release for the Circle Fire. Any future updates will be provided through the incident information sources listed below when significant activity occurs.

The Circle Fire is at 2,800 acres and 35% containment. Yesterday, the crews focused on securing the southern and eastern edges of the fire. Firing operations were implemented in the morning to strengthen containment lines already in place. With the cooperation of weather and no production of thunderstorms in the area, fire activity was minimal. The afternoon saw minimal smoke production over the fire except in the areas where a small firing operation occurred on the southern end.

The Circle Fire is at 2,800 acres and 35% containment. Yesterday, the crews focused on securing the southern and eastern edges of the fire. Firing operations were implemented in the morning to strengthen containment lines already in place. With the cooperation of weather and no production of thunderstorms in the area, fire activity was minimal. The afternoon saw minimal smoke production over the fire except in the areas where a small firing operation occurred on the southern end.

The Romero Fire is 7,000 acres with an increase to 40% containment. Yesterday, firefighters worked along the western edge to mop up any remaining pockets of heat that might pose a threat to containment lines. Crews patrolled the fire perimeter while reinforcing lines put in place over the past few days. The dozer line was completed on the north end and tied into the Cottonwood Wash.

The Romero Fire is at 7,000 acres and 30% containment. Yesterday, firefighters on the Romero Fire worked to strengthen and improve containment lines along Freeman Rd, up to the structures in Haydon Ranch. The Cottonwood Wash is a natural feature on the east side that crews are utilizing as a natural fuel break to prevent further spread to the east. Aircraft were utilized for the majority of the day to suppress further spread to the east and north. A helicopter was utilized for multiple flights over the fire for reconnaissance and a mapping mission.

The Circle Fire is at 2,800 acres and 10% containment. Yesterday, a dozer completed containment line along the north end of the fire. This dozer line was tied into a wash on the west side that is currently serving as a fuel break. The wash runs south of Freeman Road and has also been improved by the dozer. Handcrews went direct on the northwest perimeter of the fire to support the dozer operations. Crews implemented multiple small firing operations to tie the fireline into the wash.