aerial ignition

Evacuations downgraded to READY for Pine and Geronimo Estates as fire crews monitor West Fire and continue fireline repair

9/27/2024 - 11:37 am
West Fire, Type 3 team, fireline work, smoke, ash, Pine, Geronimo Estates, aerial ignition, unburned fuels, equipment backhaul, dozer line, hand line, 646 Road, fire damage, nighttime flames, evacuation status, fire repair.

Operations: The Gila County Sheriff’s Office and fire management team members assessed evacuation levels for Pine and Geronimo Estates and have downgraded them to READY as of today, September 27.  Fire personnel will continue to monitor the fire and ignitions have ceased. Expect interior burning and smoke as fuels dry during the weekend. Fireline repair continues in order to prevent user-created trails where hand crews and equipment have disturbed soils.  Crews will remove hazard trees today along FSR 64 to enhance firefighter and public safety when the road reopens.

Crews secure fireline on southern edge of West Fire as containment near Geronimo Estates increases; evacuation levels under review

9/26/2024 - 11:59 am
West Fire, Type 3 team, fireline work, smoke, ash, Pine, Geronimo Estates, aerial ignition, unburned fuels, equipment backhaul, dozer line, hand line, 646 Road, fire damage, nighttime flames, evacuation status, fire repair.

Yesterday fire crews successfully hand-ignited a twenty-acre section on the southern edge of the fire to secure fire line in that area.  In the interior, fire consumed dead and down fuel in a natural way clearing the forest floor from buildups of vegetation that can contribute to catastrophic future fires, helping to protect the communities of Pine and Geronimo Estates. Today, crews will burn and monitor brush piles east of the Pine Trailhead to further secure the line as opportunity allows. More containment is expected near Geronimo Estates in the next day or two.

Local Type 3 team continues fireline work on West Fire as smoke and ash impact communities near Pine and Geronimo Estates

9/25/2024 - 1:17 pm
West Fire, Type 3 team, fireline work, smoke, ash, Pine, Geronimo Estates, aerial ignition, unburned fuels, equipment backhaul, dozer line, hand line, 646 Road, fire damage, nighttime flames, evacuation status, fire repair.

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.