Smoke visible on the West Fire as it slowly consumes unburned fuel within perimeter

Fire managers would like to remind the public that FSR 64 (Control Road) in the fire area is currently open to residents only and to please use caution when operating any vehicle near the fire.  The task of returning fire supplies from the line will be completed today.  Heavy equipment will work on the western edge of the fire, repairing the line after fire activity.  Smoke will be visible as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuel within the perimeter until the area receives significant rainfall.  Fire crews will continue to monitor and patrol fire activity. 

Weather:  Today, mostly sunny with high temperatures of 86-91 degrees. Winds E 5 mph, shifting to S 5-10 mph, 0% chance of precipitation, with humidity in the 17% range.  Tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 59 degrees. Winds variable, then NE around 5 mph. 

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always a priority. Please remember to respect closure areas and be cautious when driving near fire equipment on the roads. 

Smoke: Smoke from the West fire may be visible as interior fuel continues to dry and burn.  Expect concentrations in low-lying areas near the fire perimeter in the mornings. 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 for land surrounding the West fire.  This includes the Pine Trailhead.  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/aztnf-2024-west-fire-tnf/us-forest-service-closure-order-for-west-fire-09-04...

Evacuations:  Pine residents on the east side of SR 87 and east of North Pine Creek Canyon Road are in READY status. Geronimo Estates residents near the West Fire are in READY status.  For information on evacuation status, visit https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=9bf2ca222ee74f8697bc670ae9c2531a  To receive emergency notifications from Gila County, visit https://gilacountyaz.genasys.com/portal/en.
 
Fire details:
Size: 15,074 acres 
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 72% 
Total personnel: 127          
Start Date: August 28, 2024
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chaparral

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 https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto