Bringham Fire – June 22, 2020 Daily Update

Acres: 20,845 acres
Jurisdiction: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Clifton Ranger District
Resources: 2 hotshot crews, 3 Type 2 initial attack crews, 3 Type 3 engines, 3 Type 6 engines, 8 water tenders, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 Type 3 helicopter, miscellaneous overhead
Start Date: June 6, 2020
Percent Containment: 20%
Origin Location: 22 miles north of Morenci, AZ
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 308

Tomorrow, June 23 at 6:00AM, Carl Schwope’s Type 2 Incident Management Team will transition management of the Bringham Fire to the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Matt Bullmore. The White Mountain Zone Team managed the Bringham Fire prior to the Type 2 Team’s arrival on June 13. The number of personnel assigned to the fire will continue to decrease due to successful firefighting efforts.

“On June 11, the Bringham Fire doubled in size initiating the action for the Forest to order IMT Team 4. Firefighters began working quickly to keep the fire from spreading west of Highway 191. The location of the fire was remote and providing logistical support for the firefighters was the challenge for the IMT. The Forest had clear intent on the priorities for the fire which remained consistent throughout the incident. We appreciate the support from the local community with the closure of Highway 191 and providing water supply and lodging for the firefighters working night shifts,” said Incident Commander Carl Schwope.

Yesterday, the fire was again active in the interior unburned areas near Tin Cup Corral. These interior burns produced some smoke but did not contribute significantly to fire spread. The Lolo Hotshots successfully completed their mission to construct fireline with the goal of keeping fire on the south side of Strayhorse Creek. Using established dipsites, helicopters provided support to the firefighters by dropping water on remaining hot spots. The majority of fire activity in Strayhorse Canyon remains confined to the creek bottom. Some fingers have pushed north, however scabby fuels and terrain are helping to limit fire spread. Slow continued movement down canyon to the Blue River corridor is expected as temperatures rise.

Highway 191 remains closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 past Juan Miller Road and Mile Marker 225 at Blue Vista. This closure will remain in place through June 27, 2020 and may be extended as needed. Fire personnel are using Highway 191 to transport crews, supplies, and equipment to and from the incident. Members of the public are advised to drive with caution and leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles and equipment to pass. More information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.

Fire Information Officers are available from 8:00AM to 8:00PM to respond to questions via phone at (928) 288-2154 or email at 2020.bringham@firenet.gov. Additional fire information can be found at the following links:
• InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/
• Facebook (updates and daily operational videos): https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/
• Temporary Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918
• Southwest Region Smoke Outlook: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthwesternRegion
• Bringham Fire Interactive Story Map: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=014fe10eaaf44038bcf7ee1f3a1013e7

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