Boulder View Fire sees increased containment and downgraded evacuations
Highlights: Areas in GO evacuate status were downgraded to SET while areas in SET status were returned to READY status on Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. Containment increased on the east side of the fire after it reached the Wildcat Fire burned area and stopped spreading. The Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Boulder View Fire that is under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the Tonto National Forest.
Summary: The Boulder View Fire was active along the south and southeast side of the fire throughout the day on Saturday. Firefighters made progress on the north end of the fire that spread across Bartlett Dam Road, reinforcing the fireline. The western perimeter of the fire largely follows the north-south Powerline Road and crews made improvements to that road for use as a fireline. The eastern side of the fire burned into the Wildcat Fire burn area and halted, leading to containment along that side. Fire crews are working to suppress the southwest corner of the fire area utilizing engines and UTVs. Airtankers and helicopters were used along the south edge of the fire to improve a two-track road for use as a holding feature, while firefighters continued to improve firelines and began mopping up remaining hot spots. Ground resources aggressively attacked heat in thick vegetation in the Camp Creek drainage on the southeast side of the fire. This area continues to be the most active area on the fire.
Today, fire crews will focus on improving firelines and continue structure protection efforts. Crews will especially focus on the southeast part of the fire due to residences at risk and prevailing winds as fire crews on the south and west sides of the fire will improve firelines and begin mop up. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect across the entire Tonto. For more information, visit https://wildlandfire.az.gov/
Bartlett Lake recreation areas are inaccessible due to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office closing Bartlett Dam Road at Cave Creek Road. There is no entry for recreation currently. To get the most up-to-date information and news about the Tonto, follow them on X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest.
Weather: High temperatures will reach 105 degrees with calm winds throughout the day, with chances of thunderstorms in theevening. Thunderstorms can make firefighting efforts more complicated due to gusty winds and lightning strikes.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression operations. The public is urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System. The system allows you to be quickly notified of emergency evacuations. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination.
Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.
Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza4s-boulder-view-fire
Twitter: @azstateforestry: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
Facebook: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry
Media/Public Phone: 480-581-1094
Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go
