Location of Origin: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Clifton Ranger District
Start Date: June 6, 2020
Size: Approximately 2,700 Acres
Cause: Lightning
Percent Contained: 0
Personnel: Approximately 155
Resources Assigned: 3 hotshot crews, 2 initial attack crews, 3 Type 6 engines, 2 Type 3 engines, 2 water tenders, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 Type 3 helicopter, various incident management overhead.

Fire Activity Increases on Bringham Fire

The Bringham Fire is situated in steep, rugged terrain, and these factors resulted in very active fire behavior today, especially along the southwest flanks. Fire crews successfully completed structure protection at the Rose Peak lookout tower facility, and similar work continues at various cabins of which some are classified as cultural resources.

Preparation for burnout operations along Highway 191 will include the use of helicopters to keep the fire in check, based on predetermined trigger points. The highway is a crucial holding feature, or man-made barrier, that incident managers will utilize to keep the fire contained to the east. To support the planned burnout operations, crews are setting up portable water sources along Highway 191 so that helicopters and crews can have easy access to this vital firefighting resource.

A temporary Closure Order for the Bringham fire area went into effect on June 10, 2020. The closure includes some forest roads, trails, day-use area facilities, and one campground. The purpose of the temporary area closure is to assure the protection of public health and safety in the closure area during the Bringham Fire activities. The closure order document and map can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918.

The public is reminded that Highway 191 is closed in both directions between mile-marker 189 (just past Juan Miller road) and mile-marker 225. ADOT signage is in place near both blockades on the highway. ADOT issued a traffic advisory yesterday for Highway 191, and more information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. For more information visit the Know Before You Fly website at http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire information can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/. Information about the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

Location of Origin: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Clifton Ranger District
Start Date: June 6, 2020
Size: Approximately 1,200 Acres
Cause: Lightning
Percent Contained: 0
Personnel: Approximately 155
Resources Assigned: 3 hotshot crews, 1 initial attack crew, 3 Type 6 engines, 1 Type 3 engine, 2 water tenders, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 Type 3 helicopter, various incident management overhead.

Winds Push Bringham to the West and Increase Fire Size

Driven by winds, the Bringham Fire continued to grow yesterday and is now at 1,200 acres. The cold front that moved in on Monday provided cooler temperatures and lower relative humidity, but it also created winds that pushed the fire towards the west. Helicopters of various types were utilized to target areas where there was increased fire activity.

Fire crews began work today on fuels prep for potential burnout operations to reinforce areas near Highway 191, a primary holding feature for future containment. Structure protection continued at the Rose Peak lookout fire-tower, and at various private properties in the vicinity of the fire. Firefighters also conducted recon missions to inform fire management planning, and they monitored critical areas of concern along fire lines.

Tentative burnout operations are being planned to reinforce holding features and could bring smoke and fire close to Highway 191. To ensure public safety, the highway has been closed in both directions for the next seven days. The closure is between mile-marker 186 and mile-marker 225. ADOT signage will be in place near both blockades on Highway 191. Only owners or lessees of land within the area will be exempted from the highway closure. ADOT issued a traffic advisory for Highway 191, and more information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.

The primary objective for the incident management team is firefighter and public safety, and forest visitors are reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the fire as smoke may reduce visibility, especially in the evenings as smoke settles in lower elevations. There is also a large amount of emergency vehicle traffic, so please proceed with caution while driving in the area.

Fire information can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/. Information about the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

Wildfires air quality press release –