Lofer Fire and Flash Fire Update for September 08, 2020 

Lofer Fire: Yesterday afternoon, crews carried out firing operations along the K.L. Ridge which allowed firefighters to strengthen containment lines and promote a low intensity backing fire down Big Bonito Creek. Firefighters have begun to restore areas disturbed by containment and suppression efforts. This is being done to limit erosion along fire lines as well as to enhance the aesthetics of the landscape. Today, crews will be assessing if there is an additional need for firing operations while other resources will continue with suppression repair efforts. 

There will be a local type 3 organization transitioning tomorrow evening for the Lofer and Flash Fires. As containment continues to increase and fire activity decreases, the updates for the fire will only be posted to the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency if there are any significant changes.  

Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 90 percent contained. 

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout. 

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.  

Smoke: Smoke from California fires has increased dramatically and will again move into Arizona. Gusty winds today should move lingering smoke out of the area. 

Important Reminders: Today, strong gusty winds are predicted, and we ask that everyone be careful with their campfires and extinguish it completely when you are leaving. Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to drown your campfire with water and stir it up to suffocate any remaining heat.  

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/  

High winds push the Bringham Fire northward

Bringham Fire – June 18, 2020 Daily Update

Acres: 17,423

Jurisdiction: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Clifton Ranger District

Resources: 2 hotshot crews, 2 Type 2 initial attack crews, 3 Type 3 engines, 4 Type 6 engines, 6 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: 315

Strong winds challenged firefighters on Wednesday afternoon as fire spread further north off Red Mountain and down into the southwestern side of Strayhorse Canyon. Smoke was more visible than it has been for the past several days, particularly in the afternoon when temperatures and winds reached their peak. Despite the visible smoke column, the main fire did not advance beyond the firelines constructed earlier this week. Helicopters lent support to the crews on the ground by dropping water buckets on the most active portions of the fire. A small fire spotted across Strayhorse Canyon but was quickly extinguished by the water buckets. Rappelers worked throughout the night to contain the small lightning-caused Pinal Fire that ignited on Tuesday evening, and plan to hike out today to rejoin the Bringham Fire crews.

Although wind speeds are expected to decrease to 16-19 miles per hour (MPH) with gusts of 25 MPH, fire managers anticipate continued fire movement to the north and east. Incident Meteorologists from the National Weather Service predict that the atmosphere will become increasingly unstable throughout the day with increasing sunshine in the afternoon that could increase terrain-driven winds. With this expected fire spread, crews are working to protect structures by covering nearby cabins in aluminum wrap to shield from radiant heat and embers, if the fire were to move further in their direction. Fire activity has moderated along Highway 191, although the potential remains for hot spots to spread as conditions dry out later in the week.

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:

• 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
• Southwest Region Smoke Outlook: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthwesternRegion

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