Flat Fire
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Location of Origin: 9 miles southwest of Heber, AZ Start Date: June 20, 2026
Size: 103 acres Percent Contained: 0% Cause: Lightning, Natural Fuels: Medium logging slash
Resources Assigned: 4 engines, 1 type 3 helicopter,1 type 2 helicopter, 2 type 1 helicopters, 4 dozers, 4 hand crews, and a water tender. There are currently 174 personnel on the fire.
Operations: The Flat Fire remains active with moderate fire behavior. Fire activity includes wind-driven runs, backing fire, and moderate group torching. Isolated torching on the northeast and northwest corners continues to creep through retardant lines. Resources remain engaged on the east heel and flank of the fire utilizing aircraft, handline construction, and existing road systems to slow fire spread. Crews continue constructing direct fire line while scouting additional control lines for future containment efforts. Firefighters remain in a full suppression strategy and will continue utilizing direct and indirect suppression tactics where conditions allow.
Closures: Where the Flat Fire is closest to the proximity of the 300 Road, there is a soft closure to provide for the safety of the public and firefighters. Mile Post 46.39 and 52.26 along 300 Road.
Values at Risk: Cultural sites and heritage resources, tribal sensitive species, cattle and grazing, watersheds and riparian areas, woodland areas, and natural springs.
Weather: Temperatures are running 10 degrees above seasonal averages. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Little to no rain, but gusty and erratic winds are expected near thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Smoke: The fire is visible from Show Low while traveling west on Arizona State Route 260. Wildfire smoke from this incident and from adjacent forests incidents will impact Heber-Overgaard and Forest Lakes communities. Other fires contributing to smoke include the Sycamore Fire and Hells Gate Fire on the Tonto National Forest Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities. Visit fire.airnow.gov/ for current smoke conditions.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations currently. Residents are always encouraged to be in “READY” status regardless of if there are wildfires in your area or not. Follow the Ready, Set, Go! program to prepare for any threats to their community. Go to https://311info.net/ for accurate and timely status updates.
Official fire information can be found on these sites:
• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azfta-flat-fire
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
