Red Flag conditions threaten the Bringham Fire
Bringham Fire – June 17, 2020 Daily Update
Acres: 15,398
Jurisdiction: Apache-Sitgreaves NF, Clifton Ranger District
Resources: 2 hotshot crews, 3 Type 2 initial attack crews, 3 Type 3 engines, 4 Type 6 engines, 5 water tenders, 1 dozer, 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:
316
Thunderstorms continued to affect the fire area yesterday, bringing gusty outflow winds and an abundance of lightning in the afternoon and early evening hours. Red Flag conditions are expected today from 10:00AM to 8:00PM, with sustained ridgetop winds from 23-26 miles per hour (MPH) and wind gusts up to 40 MPH. In the fire environment, the early afternoon hours are the most volatile time of day when increased temperatures can intensify fire behavior. The strongest winds are expected to threaten the fire during this core burning period, so firefighters are poised to respond to any increased activity this afternoon. High winds could also significantly impact the ability for aviation resources to support the fire operations.
In addition to managing the Bringham Fire, the Incident Management Team has assumed responsibility for initial attack of any new fire starts on the Clifton Ranger District. Yesterday’s lightning activity resulted in a new fire start within the area, officially named the Pinal Fire. Bringham Fire resources are assisting the local Springerville Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) Crew in suppressing this new fire, located approximately 8 miles south of Four Bar Mesa. Once the fire was spotted, the Springerville IA Crew began hiking into the area while the Type 2 helicopter transported a crew of four rappelers to provide rapid response to the new fire. A Type 1 helicopter provided additional support by dropping water buckets to slow fire spread ahead of the incoming firefighters. Both the Springerville IA Crew and the rappelers worked throughout the night to contain the fire and will continue these efforts today. The estimated fire size is one quarter acre.
As fire activity increases throughout the Southwest, incident management teams must work together to share resources and identify the greatest need and best use for crews and equipment. With multiple large fires burning across the region, the Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 4 has transferred some of their personnel, including multiple Type 1 hotshot crews, to support larger and more complex incidents such as the Bush Fire on the Tonto National Forest. This coordination allows fire managers to allocate resources equitably and serve the unique needs of each incident.
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. 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/
- Interactive Bringham Fire Map: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/BringhamFireWebMap
Temporary Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918