Fire managers plan to continue prescribed fire operations on the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests beginning January 22 through February 7, 2025, as weather and vegetation conditions allow for successful operations. Implementation of the Bear burn unit was previously scheduled for the week of December 16, 2024, but was postponed due to the Forests’ response to the Horton Fire.

Highlights: The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) continues to make assessments for post-fire risks. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been removed as the aircraft are released. Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are still being utilized on the incident; while there’s no TFR, pilots are encouraged to continue safe practices when flying over the fire area to protect crews that are still working throughout the fire area.

Highlights: Today’s change in the weather has brought colder temperatures and higher winds into the area. This incoming weather has diminished fire activity, and fire crews are continuing full suppression strategies on the Horton Fire. Yesterday and overnight, firefighters addressed unburned areas on the interior of the fire while also holding and patrolling the edge of the fire, especially along the western edge and the SR-260 corridor.

Highlights: Firefighters were successful yesterday and last night in bringing the fire off the rim and closer to established control lines north of SR-260, east of Horton Creek, and west of Christopher Creek. With today’s predicted favorable weather conditions and as part of the full suppression tactics for the Horton Fire, crews plan
on continuing strategic burning operations to secure the fire perimeter near neighborhoods and along SR-260.

Highlights: Firefighters had a successful day of firing operations and fireline enhancement yesterday and last night. Today, work will continue around Promontory Point, with ongoing ignitions below the rim between Horton Creek Trail and eastward towards Christopher Creek as work continues on this full suppression fire.

Highlights: With the Horton Fire moving down off the Mogollon Rim and onto the face, in addition to continued firing operations, there is increased visible smoke and flames along the top of the rim which can be seen from State Highway 260. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/.

Highlights: The Horton Fire is now at 1,352 acres and 17% containment. Yesterday, firefighters conducted hand ignitions on the north end of the fire. Crews were successful in holding containment lines and monitored fire activity through the day. Last night, fire moved to the west side of Promontory Point and there was active fire behavior on the west/southwest side.  

Highlights: The Horton Fire is now 1,164 acres and remains 17% containment. A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight, 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. 

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.