Tonto National Forest

Due to gusty winds, crews are monitoring the progression of the fire along the ridge lines and perimeters of the fire area.

Operations: Yesterday, due to the wind events, crews patrolled along the FSRD 411 and kept the fire’s edge even. More depth was added to FSRD 200 along with monitoring the edge. Today, crews will be patrolling and holding lines as the fire progresses toward the southern fire containment line.

Due to expected winds today, Crews will be scouting the existing road systems and terrain in the southwest perimeter to plan the best route to proceed when conditions improve.

Operations: Yesterday, crews performed ignitions along the south fire line to bring the fire toward FSRD 411 while north crews patrolled the fire line. Today, crews are scouting the terrain looking for the best options to bring the fire south and patrolling the fire edge during wind events. 

Warmer weather has aided firefighting efforts along the southern and western borders of the Valentine Fire, with tactical firing operations making substantial progress. Wednesday, crews will focus on further ignitions along the west side and continued monitoring of the fire's interior.

Yesterday, crews were able to complete firing operations along constructed holding features on the north portion of the fire. Impacts from smoke are expected through the week and visible from multiple locations. As temperatures cool overnight smoke may linger in drainages and valleys until daytime winds surface.

Chamberlain Trail Road (FSRD 200) is closed until 6 p.m. on September 30, 2023 for firefighter and public safety. The communities of Gordon Canyon, 13 Ranch, and The Cove are in SET status. For more information on Ready, Set, Go, please visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.

On Saturday, favorable conditions allowed for ongoing tactical firing operations to contain a wildfire, and these operations will continue today. However, Chamberlain Trail Road (FSRD 200) will be temporarily closed until September 30, 2023, at 6 p.m., prioritizing firefighter and public safety during these operations.

As drying conditions persist through the weekend, Valentine Fire crews are actively assessing fuel consumption and strategically planning for both hand and aerial ignition operations, with Friday's activities revealing drier conditions in certain ridges compared to drainages, whilw Saturday's focus remains on continued fuel consumption testing and identifying favorable opportunities for aerial ignitions along the western ridges

Despite recent rain, the Valentine Fire persists with smoldering and creeping in its Southeast section, prompting the Tonto National Forest Type 3 Fire Management Team to schedule a community meeting tonight at 6 pm MST at the Young Community Center for updates, while hand crews and aerial resources will maintain firing operations as conditions dry up today.

On Wednesday, firefighting crews were unable to work on the fire line due to the rainfall that occurred on Tuesday night. Instead, key personnel were dispatched to inspect the road conditions to assess their suitability for crew operations. It was concluded that the roads were in such a hazardous state that sending crews along them would pose a risk of ecological damage.

Crews were able to make good progress as moisture and precipitation remained mostly north of the fire area.