Bringham Fire Update 6.16.20

Fire spread slows as interior vegetation continues to burn

Bringham Fire – June 16, 2020 Daily Update

Acres: 14,625

Jurisdiction: Apache-Sitgreaves NF, Clifton Ranger District

Resources: 2 hotshot crews, 3 Type 2 initial attack crews, 4 Type 3 engines, 3 Type 6 engines, 5 water tenders, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 Type 3 helicopter, miscellaneous overhead

Start Date: June 6, 2020

Percent Containment: 5%

Origin Location: 22 miles north of Morenci, AZ

Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 327

Scattered dry thunderstorms moved over the fire area yesterday, bringing a slight drop in temperatures and an increase in cloud cover. The increased humidity continued to moderate fire behavior, as minimal fire spread was observed. Although no significant activity was detected on the fire’s edge, interior pockets of vegetation continue to burn through the grass and brush beneath the forested canopy.

Increased cloud cover prevented the National Infrared Operations pilot from flying over the fire area last night. These pilots capture high resolution airborne infrared imagery and fire detection data that informs the acreage numbers reported to the public and fire managers. As a result of last night’s weather, no infrared mapping was completed therefore the reported acreage remains the same. The Incident Management Team will report updated acreage as soon as an infrared flight can be safely conducted.

Fire managers are working to identify strategic locations to hold the fire in place, including those areas previously burned in past wildfires where fuels are limited and the potential for fire spread is low. As they continue to monitor all sides of the fire, crews are prepared to conduct burnout operations if the fire approaches any areas of concern. Based on the predicted thunderstorm activity, firefighters do not expect to see a significant change in fire behavior today. An incoming drying trend is expected midweek, bringing rising temperatures and lower humidity over the fire area. Limited fire activity over the past few days has allowed firefighters to get ahead of the anticipated fire growth and prepare for the increased activity that may come with the rising temperatures.

For the protection of the public and our firefighters, Highway 191 is closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 (just past Juan Miller Road) and Mile Marker 225 (Blue Vista). This closure will remain in place through June 21, 2020 and may be extended as firefighters continue to secure the road corridor. Fire personnel are using Highway 191 to travel to and from the incident, and to transport important supplies and equipment. 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:

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