Daily Update 6/24/2021
Announcement: Communities that were asked to evacuate were allowed to return to their homes at 6:00 am this morning. Please stay diligent and be aware of current fire conditions.
Overview: Clouds and light rain showers provided a welcome relief, slowing fire growth on both the Wyrick and West Chev fires. This will give firefighters an opportunity to build fireline directly next to the fire, taking advantage of this temporary reprieve to gain containment on the Wyrick Fire.
Fire Update: On Wednesday, the West Chev Fire remained active. Helicopters were used to keep the fire from moving to the south in the timber that lines the steep canyons. Firefighters are assessing how to safely construct fireline to contain the West Chev Fire. Firefighters were able to make progress on the Wyrick Fire, slowly building line by hand and dozers to contain the fire. Today, firefighters will patrol and douse hot spots on the southeast corner of the fire and Crews will also continue to work toward the rim of Black Canyon on the eastern edge of the Wyrick Fire to prevent movement to the south and east. Weather: Light showers on Wednesday provided a welcome relief, cautioning that one day of rain doesn’t erase the two-year rain deficit. There is a 20% chance of lightning, with the potential for gusty outflow winds. Winds will be out of the west/southwest today with gusts up to 25 mph. As the weather dries out and warms up the next few days, smoldering logs and trees will again begin to burn and winds could carry spots out in front of the main fire.
Ready, Set, Go: The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office announced that residents in GO status were allowed to return to their homes this morning. Visit Navajo County Emergency Management for additional information about the Ready, Set, Go program and how to sign up for alerts.
Areas in SET:
• Antelope Valley
• Despain Ranch
• Heber-and Overgaard
• Chevelon Retreat
• Communities south and east of State Route 277
• High Country Pines in Heber
• Kendall Ranch / Camp Ponderosa
Wyrick
Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021
Acres: Wyrick: 7,452 acres
Cause: Lightning
Location: 2 miles north of Mogollon HS, Heber, AZ
Containment: 15%
Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Timber and grass
Total Personnel: 288
West Chev
Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021
Acres: 400 acres
Cause: Lightning
Location: 12.5 miles northwest of Heber, AZ
West Chev: 0%
Fuels: Timber and grass
Areas in READY:
• Chevelon Ranches
Closures: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests have announced a forest closure starting Thursday morning at 6:00 am. Additional details can be found at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests – News & Events (usda.gov). Forest Road 504 remains closed because fire crews are working to secure the Wyrick Fire. State Routes 260 and 377 have reopened heading into the Heber-Overgaard area, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Continue to watch AZ511.gov for the latest updates.
Smoke: Localized smoke impacts may exist in communities east of the fire if fire activity picks up, mainly in the afternoon. Expect smoke production from the east side of Wyrick this afternoon once conditions dry out, especially southern facing slopes in the fire perimeters. While not a lot of smoke is expected from both fires today, this weekend is trending drier and hotter, so expect some smoke production. A predominant southwest wind today should transport any generated smoke to the Northeast. If fire activity increases, expect smoke impacts to Holbrook, Snowflake, Concho, St. Johns, and Winslow. Overnight drainage winds may push smoke into Forest Lakes. Air quality today is moderate because of multiple fires in Arizona. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found by visiting https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire areas include power lines and radio towers, private property, and natural resources. More Information:
Inciweb:
• West Chev: West Chev Information – InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)
• Wyrick: Wyrick Fire Information – InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)
Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information: (20+) Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information | Facebook
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests – Home (usda.gov)
Eastern Arizona Current Outlook: Smoke Forecast Outlooks (airfire.org)
Highway Closures: https://az511.gov/
Navajo County Emergency Management: https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Emergency-Management-and-Preparedness/Ready-Navajo-County-Notification-System/Ready-Navajo-County-Registration
Navajo County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavajoCountyEM/
Navajo County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/NCSO.AZ/posts/4060988313951038

This morning, scattered cloud cover can be seen over parts of northern Arizona, including over the Backbone Fire. Cloud cover is forecast to be patchy throughout the day. Any cloud cover that forms over the fire will assist in tempering fire activity and help slow its growth. Today there will another chance for light rain showers (up to 0.05″). Winds are forecast to be light and variable at the surface which should allow for the smoke build-up to rise and disperse toward the east-northeast so long as clouds remain sparse. With the potential for outflows from developing thunderstorms this afternoon into evening, gusty winds are possible to occur.

If clouds begin to dominate the sky above the Backbone Fire, smoke will not rise and disperse high off the ground. With the reduced smoke yesterday, there shouldn’t be any lingering smoke that would increase impacts to our forecast areas. Also, the previously stated variable winds could cause smoke to move in any direction. Similar to previous days, light to moderate impacts may be possible in Camp Verde throughout the day. Then overnight, Pine will likely continue to see moderate to heavy impacts, given its proximity to the fire. Payson will likely see light to moderate impacts throughout today.

Tomorrow, clear skies will be the main story around the fire. Winds will remain out of the west-southwest but have less chance of variability with little to no thunderstorm potential. With calmer/sunnier conditions, fire activity is expected to pick up again. Smoke should continue to mainly disperse toward the east-northeast throughout the day. Any smoke that settles overnight could cause more moderate to heavy impacts in Pine due to its proximity to the fire.

If you are in an area with heavy impacts, the suggested actions to take are (if possible): close windows and use fans or alternative cooling devices, turn off swamp coolers, use filtered HVAC systems, and avoid outdoor activities.

CLOSURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON STATE TRUST LAND FRIDAY
Phoenix, AZ (6/23/21) – Due to extremely high fire danger, exceptional drought conditions, resource availability, and increased fire activity, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the Arizona State Land Department will implement closures to State Trust Land throughout Arizona. These closures are also in conjunction with our USFS partners.
As of 8am on June 25, 2021, closures will be implemented on state-owned and managed lands in all 15 counties. All state-owned and managed lands are closed to entry for recreational purposes, including hunting, camping, and off-road vehicle use. Target shooting and fireworks are prohibited year-round.
Closures apply to the following state-owned and state-managed lands within all 15 counties including:
 All State Trust lands outside incorporated municipalities.
 All State Parks outside incorporated municipalities – State Parks remain open with fire restrictions in place. Please refer to https://azstateparks.com/fire-safety/ – for park-specific fire restriction information.
 Full shutdown of all operations; except organizations on mineral soil involving road excavation, watering, grading, gravel surfacing, and rock crushing may continue with special permission. Contractor will provide fire guard for three hours after shutdown.
Exemptions include:
 Persons with a written fire entry and activity permit that specifically authorizes the permitted to be on the land. This may include such persons as grazing-permit holders when entry is needed to gather, move, or otherwise manage their permitted livestock, special-use authorization holders when access is needed to maintain emergency or other communications operations, and others.
 Any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting organization in the performance of an official duty.
 Resident owners and lessees of land within the closed area.
Any closure exemption must be approved by the State Forester.
These closures do not apply to private lands under ARS § 37-1303. For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at tdavila@dffm.az.gov