Urgent Evacuations and Rapid Spread: Black Fire Intensifies in Tonto National Forest
Black Fire Daily Update
Evacuations: There are currently “GO” orders in place for Tonto National Monument, Black Brush Ranch, Cross-P Ranch, Reevis Mountain School, Cottonwood Cove Picnic Area, Frazier, Windy Hill, Schoolhouse, and Grapevine Campgrounds. There are “SET” orders in place for Quail Run, Roosevelt Post Office, Lakeview Mobile Home Park, and Roosevelt Lake Marina and RV Park. Boat ramps at Cholla and Windy Hill are currently open.
Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure for land surrounding the Black Fire. View the full closure on its website. Additionally, the Tonto National Monument is closed.
Operations: On Monday, crews continued structure protection efforts within the Tonto National Monument, focusing on cultural resources in the area. The fire spread at a rapid pace to the east throughout the day, causing crews to conduct firing operations ahead of the main fire to help stop fire spread toward the Black Brush ranch. Aviation resources, including helicopters and air tankers, were utilized along the east side of the fire to help slow it’s spread. Today, crews will continue to improve and reinforce firelines around the north and east sides of the fire and improve Forest Road 49 for use as a fireline on the west.
Weather: The high Tuesday will be 103 degrees, with 20-25 mph southwest wind. There is a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon bringing wind, lightning, and rain. Fuel moisture is critically low, and fuels are very receptive to fire.
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. Citizens are urged to sign up for the Gila and Maricopa County Emergency Notification System.
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.
Smoke: There is moderate to heavy smoke present from the Black Fire as well as other fires in the area. Individuals who are sensitive to smoke or have conditions aggravated by smoke are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Location: South of Roosevelt Lake on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness
Start Date: July 11, 2024
Size: Approximately 8,679 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation: Tall Grass and Brush
Resources: 9 Handcrews, 7 Helicopters, 9 Engines, 1 Dozer, and 4 Water Tenders.
Number of Personnel Assigned: 362
Tonto National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/fire
InciWeb: Black Fire Fire email: [email protected] Information Phone: 928-295-1514
Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest
