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

NOTICE: State Route 277, State Route 377, and State Route 260 are reopened at this time.*NOTE: Current evacuations are STILL in place at this time.*

We’ve received some questions about why we don’t post road maps, and the answer is: our partners at ADOT maintain an interactive map on their website. Their interactive map is your best resource in a fluid emergency situation where road closures are subject to change. We always recommend checking az511.com for road conditions and closures.