Persistent dry conditions forecasted into the New Year for the Horton Fire; public meeting Thursday, January 2

Highlights: The Horton Fire remains at 1,124 acres and 17% containment. Yesterday, crews completed prepping the lines along Forest Road (FR) 300 to SR-260 to prepare for firing operations.

A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: Yesterday, crews patrolled the fire area, monitored fire activity and improved containment lines along Highline, Horton, and Derrick trails. Additional prep work occurred around infrastructure and other values at risk.

Today, crews will scout remaining prep needs along SR-260, within nearby communities and along drainages south/downslope of the active fire area. If conditions allow, firing operations may occur on the eastern perimeter of the fire. This tactic is utilized in full suppression fire management to assist with reducing fuel availability to help control the main fire’s spread.

Weather: A slight reduction in temperatures was seen across the fire on Tuesday. New Years Day brings elevated fire weather conditions with continued persistent dry conditions, temperatures in the low 50s and relative humidity in the 20% range.

Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire will be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke Outlook information is available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/.

Closures: A new emergency closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, unless rescinded. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Evacuations: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins remain in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area.

Safety: Highway closures are not currently in effect due to the Horton Fire, however reduced visibility due to smoke on SR-260 is possible. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.
    
Fire details:

  • Size: 1,124 acres
  • Start Date: December 14, 2024
  • Cause: Under investigation
  • Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona 
  • Containment: 17%
  • Total personnel: 247
  • Fuels: Timber, chaparral
  • Resources: 3 crews, 8 engines, 1 helicopter, 1 bulldozer, 1 water tender

Information Links and Contacts:

This is a map of the Horton Fire on January 1 2025
Source
Tonto National Forest
January 1, 2025 - 10:50am
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