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.

                      Apache & Navajo County

                Stage 2 Fire Restrictions FAQ’s

**Note: This information is provided for unincorporated areas throughout the county jurisdictions only**

Can I have a campfire?

NO! No fires are permitted!

Only cooking equipment that utilizes Liquid Petroleum (LPG) that can be turned off by switch is permitted. Again, the area around the stove or device must be completely clear for 3 feet in any direction (including overhead) before being used.

Am I allowed to smoke outdoors?

NO, Any smoking should be conducted inside of a building or inside of a vehicle.

Can I burn the weeds in my yard?

NO. These types of fires are not allowed during any stage of restrictions. You must dispose of your yard waste by other means such as taking it to a transfer station.

What if i have an Open Burn Permit? NO, you are still not allowed to burn. Once restrictions are in effect all burn permits are suspended.

Use of Mechanical and Industrial Equipment:

1. No operating any internal combustion engine that would potentially produce open flames or sparks.

2. No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame

3. No use of explosives

What about recreational vehicles?

No. There is no operating of motorized vehicles off designated roads and/or trails.

What about target shooting and fireworks?

Fireworks are NOT allowed during any stage of Fire Restrictions. The use of explosive targets and tracer round ammunition are also NOT allowed.

HAPPY JACK, Ariz., May 1, 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. and began near Forest Road 95, approximately 1.5 miles east of C.C. Cragin Reservoir. It quickly spread to the bottom of East Clear Creek Canyon, and 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 near the origin of the Tinder Fire on April 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.