There were approximately 2,500 acres of new growth observed on the Bush Fire yesterday, however, that new growth was restricted to un-burned interior fuel islands only with no new perimeter growth noted. Total size is estimated around 189,000 acres. Afternoon satellite captured three distinct smoke plumes, a less defined plume at the northern end of the Bush Fire and the other two more prominent plumes originating from the southern end. A majority of daytime smoke was carried by westerly winds and became visibly diffuse over the Rim Country area between Payson and Show Low by sunset. Based on available monitoring data, daytime and overnight smoke impacts were only minor or not detected.

For today and tomorrow, trapped early morning smoke in the Tonto Basin will lift and disperse north and eastward after inversion breakup by about 9 AM. Additionally, prevailing afternoon west to southwesterly winds will continue to carry any smoke plumes developing from burning of interior fuel islands towards the Rim Country communities by the afternoon and early evening hours. Settling of smoke overnight remains possible throughout the region.

Smoke impacts, in general, are expected to be light for a majority of the area downwind of the fire perimeter given a significant decrease in new smoke production in recent days.

Find the wildfire smoke forecast at:
https://www.azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast

Find the Arizona air quality monitor report at
https://www.azdeq.gov/aq/monitorreport