Location of Origin: 5 miles SW of Cibecue, AZ
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Size: 438 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Undetermined, Under Investigation
Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grassland
Resources Assigned: 6 Crews, 2 Dozers, 4 Engines, 1 Helicopter, 4 Water Tenders

The Bear Fire has increased in size and complexity, and the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Operations: Aerial resources have been crucial in slowing the progress of the Bear Fire. Helicopters and other aerial resources will continue that effort in today’s operations. Weather is expected to trend towards hotter and drier conditions today, and firefighting crews will look to engage directly in suppression efforts, but only when it is safe to do so.

Safety: Wildfire smoke may impact Cibecue, Carrizo, and the White Mountain communities. The public is encouraged to prepare and follow the Ready, Set, Go! program to prepare for any threats to their community.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations currently. Residents of Cibecue are in “READY” status. Go to https://311info.net/ for accurate and timely status updates.

Closures: To provide for the safety of the public and firefighters, the G-3 and G- 4 roads are closed to the public.

Values at Risk: Emory Oak groves in the area, cultural sites and heritage resources, tribal sensitive species, cattle and grazing, watersheds and riparian areas, woodland areas, the Highway 60 and BIA Route 12 transportation corridors, natural springs, and Cibecue Falls.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high of 91 degrees and winds 5-10 mph.

Smoke: Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

•     Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azfta-bear-fire
•     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt

Bear Fire Bear Fire Summary

Location: 5 miles sw of Cibecue, AZ

Fire Cause: Undetermined, Under Investigation

Fire Size: 520 acres

Fuel Type: Pinyon-Juniper, Grassland

Containment: 0%

Resources: Air Resources, 2 Type 1 Crews, 2 Type 2IA Crew, 1 dozer, 1 Type 6 Engine Fire start: Saturday, June 8, 2024

Summary: Yesterday, air resources were utilized to slow the progress of the Bear Fire. Fire activity was low overnight allowing retardant lines to hold. This morning, air resources completed retarndant lines around the fire. Fire crews will take advantage of weather conditons and will look for opportunities to conduct direct fire tactics. The White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team under the leadership of Ben Plumb, Type 3 Incident Commander will assume command of the fire at 0700 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024. Closures: The G-3 and G- 4 roads are closed. Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the number one priority. Wildfire smoke may impact Cibecue and the White Mountain communities. The public is encouraged to take precautionary measures. Announcement: The Fort Apache Indian Reservation is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions year around. This means that campfires are not allowed outside of designated campgrounds. Smoking is also not allowed outside of an enclosed vehicle or building. Fireworks are always prohibited. If you have any questions regarding the Bear Fire, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 205-5752 or you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt.

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3:00 pm -update acres – Bear Fire is now 275 acres.
The Bear Fire is located about 5 miles west of Cibecue on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. The fire is estimated to be about 155 acres and burning within a pinyon-juniper forest. Air resources are actively working the fire. Other resources on the fire include a Type 6 Engine, Fort Apache Hotshots and Fort Apache Fuels Crew. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team has been ordered to assume command of the fire.