The Rattlesnake Fire is 90% contained and has burned 26,072 acres. The Tinder Fire in Coconino County is 79% contained and has burned 16,309 acres.
Apache, Navajo, Coconino Counties, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Fort Apache, are all in Stage II Fire Restrictions. This means: no campfires, no wood/charcoal fires, no outside smoking. In your home, if you are still using a Woodstove for heat, the stove must have a spark arrester on top. There are many people still trying to burn or use BBQ grills. If you are caught, you will be charged by local law enforcement. The are patrolling in vehicles and aircraft checking. We are in critical fire conditions, please adhere to the Stage II Restrictions. If you aren’t sure what they are, go to your county website or 311info.net to find out.
A storm system approaching Arizona from the northwest will bring gusty southwest winds and critical fire weather conditions to portions of northern Arizona on Thursday. These conditions will likely develop over all of northern Arizona on Friday.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued from the Yavapai County mountains, Mogollon Rim, and White Mountains northward for Thursday with wind gusts in the 30-40 mph range. On Friday, a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for all of northern Arizona as more widespread critical fire weather is possible with wind gusts of 40-50 mph. Critical fire weather conditions could linger into Saturday for eastern Arizona. No watches or warnings have been issued yet for Saturday – stay tuned for updates. This system will also bring slightly cooler temperatures for the weekend, closer to normal values for this time of year.