The Bush Fire grew by about 120 acres yesterday. The total acreage of the fire is now estimated at around 186,960 acres. Fire activity still remained limited to pockets of hotspots that continued to burn within the fire perimeter. On satellite, several smoke plumes were noted in the afternoon moving off to the east, becoming more diffuse the further they reached. At the ground, smoke was generally light.
Looking ahead for today and tomorrow, smoke from the fire is expected to follow a similar pattern: it should slowly disperse eastward over the Tonto Basin area and to the north into the Rim Country in the morning (depending on where the hotspots are), then move off to the east in the afternoon. Overnight, smoke is expected to settle into low-lying areas in/around the Tonto Basin area and Roosevelt Lake.
In general, smoke impacts are expected to be light across the region because of the significant decrease in fire activity. However, brief periods of light to moderate smoke may be possible for some areas. Moreover, light smoke may be possible in Fountain Hills in the evening or overnight hours. Any smoke that does fill into low lying areas in/around the fire overnight is forecast to lift out by 9 am Thursday.
The Bush Fire grew by only about 140 acres yesterday, a far cry from activity observed over the weekend. It should be noted that the fire perimeter itself did not grow, but rather, interior pockets continued to burn. The total acreage of the fire is now estimated around 186,800 acres.
Unsurprisingly, far less smoke activity was seen on satellite yesterday. Only a couple small smoke plumes were noted in the afternoon, moving off to the east from the fire. However, a thin layer of smoke still remained over the region. Heber and Show Low saw some moderate smoke in the morning.
Looking ahead for today and tomorrow, smoke from the fire is expected to continue moving in the same general direction as previous days: it should disperse to the north into the Rim Country and toward Payson in the morning, then move off to the east in the afternoon. Then overnight, smoke is expected to settle into low-lying areas in/around the Tonto Basin area.
In general, smoke impacts are expected to be light across the region because of the significant decrease in fire activity. However, brief periods of light to moderate smoke impacts will be possible in Payson, Heber, and Show Low. Moreover, light impacts may be possible in Fountain Hills in the evening. Any smoke that does fill into the low lying areas near/around the fire overnight is forecast to lift out by 9 am Wednesday.
Acres: 20,845 acres Jurisdiction: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Clifton Ranger District Resources: 2 hotshot crews, 3 Type 2 initial attack crews, 3 Type 3 engines, 3 Type 6 engines, 8 water tenders, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 Type 3 helicopter, miscellaneous overhead Start Date: June 6, 2020 Percent Containment: 20% Origin Location: 22 miles north of Morenci, AZ Cause: Lightning Personnel: 308
Tomorrow, June 23 at 6:00AM, Carl Schwope’s Type 2 Incident Management Team will transition management of the Bringham Fire to the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Matt Bullmore. The White Mountain Zone Team managed the Bringham Fire prior to the Type 2 Team’s arrival on June 13. The number of personnel assigned to the fire will continue to decrease due to successful firefighting efforts.
“On June 11, the Bringham Fire doubled in size initiating the action for the Forest to order IMT Team 4. Firefighters began working quickly to keep the fire from spreading west of Highway 191. The location of the fire was remote and providing logistical support for the firefighters was the challenge for the IMT. The Forest had clear intent on the priorities for the fire which remained consistent throughout the incident. We appreciate the support from the local community with the closure of Highway 191 and providing water supply and lodging for the firefighters working night shifts,” said Incident Commander Carl Schwope.
Yesterday, the fire was again active in the interior unburned areas near Tin Cup Corral. These interior burns produced some smoke but did not contribute significantly to fire spread. The Lolo Hotshots successfully completed their mission to construct fireline with the goal of keeping fire on the south side of Strayhorse Creek. Using established dipsites, helicopters provided support to the firefighters by dropping water on remaining hot spots. The majority of fire activity in Strayhorse Canyon remains confined to the creek bottom. Some fingers have pushed north, however scabby fuels and terrain are helping to limit fire spread. Slow continued movement down canyon to the Blue River corridor is expected as temperatures rise.
Highway 191 remains closed in both directions between Mile Marker 189 past Juan Miller Road and Mile Marker 225 at Blue Vista. This closure will remain in place through June 27, 2020 and may be extended as needed. Fire personnel are using Highway 191 to transport crews, supplies, and equipment to and from the incident. Members of the public are advised to drive with caution and leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles and equipment to pass. More information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern-arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.
Fire Information Officers are available from 8:00AM to 8:00PM to respond to questions via phone at (928) 288-2154 or email at 2020.bringham@firenet.gov. Additional fire information can be found at the following links: • InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6747/ • Facebook (updates and daily operational videos): https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/ • Temporary Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3793918 • Southwest Region Smoke Outlook: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthwesternRegion • Bringham Fire Interactive Story Map: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=014fe10eaaf44038bcf7ee1f3a1013e7
