More than 100 firefighters continue working the Skeleton Fire

Fire crews continue work on the Skeleton Fire. Aviation resources have provided support to help reinforce fire edges using helicopter bucket drops of water and fire retardant drops from airtankers. The fire saw increased activity on the southwest side overnight but is largely staying  on the mesa tops. Variable gusty winds from passing  thunderstorms could cause continued  fire growth. The fire has burned in the Agua Fria National Monument and the Tonto National Forest. 

Jurisdiction: Hassayampa Field Office, Bureau of Land Management 

Safety: No injuries reported. Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and mitigate the fire. Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression  efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t. 

Structures: Moderate threat to historic administration site. No active threats to area communities.  

Fire details:
Start Date: August 3, 2024
Cause: Lightning/Natural 
Location: About 11 miles north-northeast of Black Canyon City in the Agua Fria National Monument
Fire Size: 20,963 acres. Updated acreage will be available Aug. 7. 
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Grass/brush
Fire Crews/Resources: One Type 1 crew; seven Type 6 engines; three helicopters; three water tenders.
Total Personnel: 101 

Important fire information:
Inciweb: Skeleton Fire