Flying V Fire
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Location of Origin: Highway 60 at mm 300
Start Date: July 5, 2023
Size: 831 acres
Cause: Undetermined
Percent Contained: 5
Personnel: 259
Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass
Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 3 helicopters, 2 Dozers
Operations: Fire activityhas mostly decreased, however, smoldering fuels adjacent to suppression lines have produced small spots. Aerial resources have been crucial in quickly responding to and cooling these spot fires. An area along highway 60 that was consumed in the initial phase of the fire marks the 5 percent containment.
Closure: The Incident Management Team met with ADOT officials this morning to start working on potential options for reopening highway 60 while prioritizing the safety of firefighters and the public. As soon as the official traffic plan has been confirmed, the public will be notified in a special communications update. The White Mountain Apache Tribe issued an executive order on July 7, 2023. There are no campfires allowed at the lakes, streams, or even in the community, and no yard burning. Wood cutting must be done before 10:00 a.m., and there is no wood cutting in the closure area.
Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for clear skies with a high of 96 degrees and winds from 10 to 15 mph.
Values at risk: Emory Oak grove in the area of Flying V, tribal sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watershed and riparian areas, woodland areas, the Salt River recreation areas, the Highway 60 transportation corridor, communications towers on Brewer Hill, Cibecue Ridge, and north of Salt River Canyon.
Safety: Wildfiresmoke may impact Cibecue, White River, Carrizo, Cedar Creek, and the White Mountain communities. The public is encouraged to take precautionary measures.
Official fire information can be found on these sites:
- Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azwat-flying-v-fire
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt
- ADEQ Air QualityInformation: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077
- ADOT: https://www.az511.com/
- Executive Order: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions and Forest Closures