Local Type 3 team continues fireline work on West Fire as smoke and ash impact communities near Pine and Geronimo Estates
A local Type 3 Team assumed command of the fire yesterday afternoon and will continue to secure fireline and repair dozer and hand line. Yesterday, unburned fuels were ignited by aerial ignition inside the perimeter of the fire, contributing to smoke and ash in neighboring communities. Crews are also backhauling equipment and fire supplies longer needed. Excavators are working along the east edge of the fire near 646 Road to repair damage, use caution in this area. Fire and flames may be visible during nighttime hours away from the edges of the fire. The fire team is mindful of the evacuation status of Pine and Geronimo Estates residents and is working to lower it.
Weather: Today, sunny, warm and dry with a high temperature of 89 degrees. 0% chance of precipitation with humidities in the 20% range. East winds of 7 mph.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area and use caution around fire equipment on the roads.
Smoke: Smoke from the West Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke will linger in lower areas in the morning and rise as temperatures increase during the day and later in the week. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Learn more about smoke impacts on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website.
Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for land surrounding the West Fire. This includes the Pine Trailhead.
Evacuations: Pine residents on the east side of SR 87 and east of North Pine Creek Canyon Road are in SET status. Geronimo Estates residents near the West Fire are in SET status. For information on the interactive map of evacuation status, visit: West Evac Viewer App- Click on an Evacuation Zone for More Information (arcgis.com)
Fire details:
West Fire: 15,053 Acres
Containment: 51%
Start Date: August 28, 2024
Location: Payson Ranger District, AZ
Fuels: Ponderosa Pine, Mixed Conifer, Chaparral
Total personnel: 165
For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest, ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) @TontoForest or Instagram @tontonationalforest and on the Tonto National Forest website.
