Operational Update: Yesterday, there was no growth on the Cottonwood Ridge Fire and the acreage remains the same. The firelines are holding well and crews will continue to strengthen and secure them over the next few days. The northwest flank remains a priority as firefighters continue efforts to secure that side of the fire.

Mark Bernal, Incident commander Type 2 and his Incident Management Team will assume command of the Cottonwood Ridge, Spoon and Mustang Ridge fires on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation at 600 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Management Objective: Reduce fire size using aircraft, giving firefighters time to assess the fire landscape. Firefighters are working on full suppression tactics for this fire.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire area.

Values at risk: Potential communities at risk include Linden to the north of the Cottonwood Ridge Fire, but it’s NOT an immediate threat at this time. Citizens should always be “Ready” for any emergency by having a kit, being on the Ready Navajo County Alert System (sign up here: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612436/login) and watch Fort Apache Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt for accurate information. Should the need arise to go into “SET”, an alert will be sent, as well as posts added to our social media and on www.311info.net. Highway 60 may be impacted and is located east of the fire.

Smoke: Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities and along Highway 60.

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: Bureau of Indian Affairs, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Navajo County, and US Forest Service.
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Location of Origin: 15 miles northwest of Heber-Overgaard
Start Date: July 19, 2023
Size: 1,517 acres
Cause: Lightning/Natural
Percent Contained: 26
Personnel: 213
Fuels: Juniper, brush, and grass
Resources Assigned: 2 Crews, 4 Engines, 1 Helicopter, 1 Dozer, 1 Water Tender

Operations: The Guzzler fire has decreased in complexity and will transition on July 25th at 0700 from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team to a Type 4 Team with Incident Commander Wyatt Ellis and trainee Aaron Ballesteros. This will be the final update from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team unless conditions change. The fire received precipitation yesterday and potential for growth has moderated.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations currently. Residents in the Chevelon Canyon Ranches/Retreat areas have been returned to “READY” status. Go to https://311info.net/ for accurate and timely status updates.

Closures: There is a roadblock at the junction of Forest Service roads 504 and 153 and another at the junction of the 504 road and highway 191. Residents of Chevelon Canyon Ranches/Retreat are being allowed passage. There is no access on State Route 99 to Chevelon Crossing. Additional roads in the area may be restricted or closed depending on the operational needs of firefighters. The public is advised to avoid travel in the area, and to watch for fire personnel and heavy equipment.

Values at Risk: Multiple wind turbines to the north of the fire, KV powerlines to the east, Babbit Ranch, and threatened and endangered species in Chevelon canyon.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, then a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs are expected near 97 degrees with winds 5-10 mph.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, learn more at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=81123.

Smoke: Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-guzzler-fire
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

7/22/23 8:00 am – Residents in the Chevelon Ranches/Retreat areas have been returned to “READY” status today. Additional update for the fire will be shared as they are received from USFS Apache-Sitgreaves Forests.