HAPPY JACK, Ariz., May 2, 2018, For Immediate Release — Forest Service investigators were able to access the point of origin of the Tinder Fire and have found the cause to be an abandoned illegal campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions.

The fire was reported by the Moqui Tower lookout on April 27 at 11:43 a.m. Origin and Cause Investigators determined that the fire originated in the East Clear Creek drainage approximately 1 mile downstream from Forest Road 95.  Forest Road 95 runs north-south and is located approximately 1.5 miles east of C.C. Cragin Reservoir. The fire quickly spread from the bottom of East Clear Creek Canyon, where strong southwest winds drove the fire in a northeast direction up the canyon and towards private property and residents located about 3 miles away.

“Any time we enter restrictions or have even closed the forest, we still continue to find abandoned and illegal campfires,” said Andy Pederson, Forest Service patrol captain for northern Arizona. “This shows extreme lack of care for public safety and our natural resources when people would have an illegal campfire, much less abandon an illegal campfire.”

Finding the person responsible for this illegal campfire will be difficult, as witnesses in the forest are often nonexistent, but Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations are continuing to investigate this case and are hopeful for progress.

If anyone was in the area of Forest Road 95 or East Clear Creek near the origin of the Tinder Fire on April 26 or 27 and has information that could help this investigation, please contact Forest Service Law Enforcement at (928) 527-3511.

The Tinder Fire is currently over 11,400 acres with zero percent containment and more than 550 personnel working to control and extinguish the wildfire.

Rattlesnake Fire:

Containment: 82%
Size: 26,072

Fire activity: Fire behavior was moderate yesterday as crews continued to monitor and patrol containment lines on the western, northern, and southern flanks of the fire. Containment on the Rattlesnake Fire increased considerably as fire lines were tested and successfully held despite high winds. There are a few areas along the eastern side of the fire that are putting up minimal smoke. Remaining fire activity is well within the interior of control lines.

Weather: Snow impacted the fire overnight with accumulations of approximately three inches. Today there is a 40% chance of snow in the area with winds gusts forecast up to 31mph. The cold front that started last evening is expected to bring more precipitation to the area through Thursday.

Safety: Residents are reminded to drive with caution in the fire area due to potential smoke impacts on highway 191, and to be alert for fire traffic.

Road and area closures: Forest Road 25 remains closed along with additional closures on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Visit the Rattlesnake Fire Inciweb page for a map and details.

Fire restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is currently in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in order to reduce human-caused fires and protect public safety. San Carlos Apache Reservation implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on April 17, 2018. Modified Stage 2 Fire Restrictions continue on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.