Firefighters Continue Work to “Box in” the Buckhorn Fire

Overview: Yesterday, the Buckhorn Fire burned its way to the Black River on the western perimeter. The fire movement was slow, with low-to-moderate behavior. Crews removed vegetation along the 2034 Road and that work is expected to be completed today. Crews then began defensive burning operations to remove vegetation ahead of the main fire on the southeastern and southwestern perimeter. Firefighters located old dozer lines along many of the ridges, which may be used to slow the fire’s progress. Today, firefighters will be moving north along the 2030 Road, working to remove vegetation. Crews will continue to construct stronger lines which should be more secure in stopping the fire’s progress in areas that are easier to access.

Weather: Yesterday brought more isolated thunderstorms around the Buckhorn Fire. Today, storm cells will continue to develop and move erratically throughout the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to be between 83-86 degrees with west/northwest winds 5-7 mph, gusting to 15 mph. Chance of rain is about 65 percent.

Safety: Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. Drones may endanger firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t.

Closures:  There is an area closure in place around the Buckhorn Fire. Closures are being adjusted based on fire activity for public and firefighter safety. Please monitor the San Carlos Apache Tribe Facebook Page for updated information. (Link Below)

Fire details: 

Buckhorn Fire: 561 acres

Start Date: July 9, 2024

Cause: Suspected lightning

Fuels: Timber, Brush, Understory

Containment: 0%

Resources: 105

Location: Maylay Gap Area, San Carlos Reservation

Fire Information: 928-588-4033 from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. – [email protected]

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azsca-watch-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY

EOC: For information regarding recovery efforts, contact  928-475-2008 or [email protected]