Campbell Fire 7.17.23

Campbell Fire 

Monday, July 17, 2023 

Location of Origin: Forest Service Road 8861 

Start Date: July 10, 2023      

Size: 1,416 acres 

Cause: Lightning/Natural       

Percent Contained: 27 

Personnel: 142                     

Fuels: Medium Logging Slash 

Resources Assigned: 3 Crews, 6 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 2 Dozers, 2 Water tenders 

Operations: Firing operations, which have been largely successful in recent days, have been completed on the Campbell fire. Despite some dust devil activity, there were no spot fires yesterday. Fire crews will continue to work on securing containment lines, mopping up remaining hot spots, and mitigating any threats to control features.  

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for sunny to partly sunny skies with a 40% chance of precipitation and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs are expected to be in the upper 80s with winds from 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 Hwy 191, especially at night. 

Official fire information can be found on these sites: 

Campbell Fire 7/16/23

Campbell Fire 

Sunday,July 16, 2023 

Location of Origin:Forest Service Road 8861 

Start Date: July 10, 2023      

Size: 1,398 acres 

Cause: Lightning/Natural       

Percent Contained:

Personnel: 139                     

Fuels: Medium Logging Slash 

Resources Assigned: 4 Crews, 5 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 2 Dozers, 2 Water tenders 

Operations: Firing operations were aided yesterday by favorable winds and timing of ignitions. A handful of small spot fires on the northwestern flank were readily responded to and corralled by firefighters. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) were deployed to drop Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD), which are ping-pong sized balls that ignite upon chemical reaction. PSDs were used to consume unburned pockets of fuel within the fire perimeter. Fire crews will work today to secure containment lines along highway 191 and to mitigate any threats or hazards.      

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies, a 20% chance of precipitation, highs in the upper 80s, and 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 Hwy 191, especially at night. 

Official fire information can be found on these sites: 

Flying V Fire Update 7/9/23

Flying V Fire 

Sunday, July 9, 2023 

Location of Origin: Highway 60 at mm 300 

Start Date: July 5, 2023          

Size: 831 acres 

Cause: Undetermined            

Percent Contained:

Personnel: 259                      

Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass

Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 3 helicopters, 2 Dozers 

Operations: Fire activityhas mostly decreased, however, smoldering fuels adjacent to suppression lines have produced small spots. Aerial resources have been crucial in quickly responding to and cooling these spot fires. An area along highway 60 that was consumed in the initial phase of the fire marks the 5 percent containment.  

Closure: The Incident Management Team met with ADOT officials this morning to start working on potential options for reopening highway 60 while prioritizing the safety of firefighters and the public. As soon as the official traffic plan has been confirmed, the public will be notified in a special communications update. The White Mountain Apache Tribe issued an executive order on July 7, 2023. There are no campfires allowed at the lakes, streams, or even in the community, and no yard burning. Wood cutting must be done before 10:00 a.m., and there is no wood cutting in the closure area.  

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for clear skies with a high of 96 degrees and winds from 10 to 15 mph. 

Values at risk: Emory Oak grove in the area of Flying V, tribal sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watershed and riparian areas, woodland areas, the Salt River recreation areas, the Highway 60 transportation corridor, communications towers on Brewer Hill, Cibecue Ridge, and north of Salt River Canyon. 

Safety: Wildfiresmoke may impact Cibecue, White River, Carrizo, Cedar Creek, and the White Mountain communities. The public is encouraged to take precautionary measures. 

Official fire information can be found on these sites: