The Cottonwood Ridge Fire started on Sunday, July 23, 2023 within the old Rodeo-Chediski burn scar. It is approximately 70 acres, in steep and rugged terrain that is difficult for firefighters to access. The fire is located about 10 miles southwest of Show Low. Fire resources include a Type 3 Helicopter, a dozer and Fort Apache Fuels Crew. Fire resources are working on tactics to fully suppress this fire. Smoke will be visible in surrounding areas.
Location of Origin: 15 miles northwest of Heber-Overgaard
Start Date: July 19, 2023
Size: 1,517 acres
Cause: Lightning/Natural
Percent Contained: 26
Personnel: 213
Fuels: Juniper, brush, and grass
Resources Assigned: 2 Crews, 4 Engines, 1 Helicopter, 1 Dozer, 1 Water Tender
Operations: The Guzzler fire has decreased in complexity and will transition on July 25th at 0700 from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team to a Type 4 Team with Incident Commander Wyatt Ellis and trainee Aaron Ballesteros. This will be the final update from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team unless conditions change. The fire received precipitation yesterday and potential for growth has moderated.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations currently. Residents in the Chevelon Canyon Ranches/Retreat areas have been returned to “READY” status. Go to https://311info.net/ for accurate and timely status updates.
Closures: There is a roadblock at the junction of Forest Service roads 504 and 153 and another at the junction of the 504 road and highway 191. Residents of Chevelon Canyon Ranches/Retreat are being allowed passage. There is no access on State Route 99 to Chevelon Crossing. Additional roads in the area may be restricted or closed depending on the operational needs of firefighters. The public is advised to avoid travel in the area, and to watch for fire personnel and heavy equipment.
Values at Risk: Multiple wind turbines to the north of the fire, KV powerlines to the east, Babbit Ranch, and threatened and endangered species in Chevelon canyon.
Weather: Today’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, then a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs are expected near 97 degrees with winds 5-10 mph.
Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, learn more at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=81123.
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/azasf-guzzler-fire
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
7/22/23 8:00 am – Residents in the Chevelon Ranches/Retreat areas have been returned to “READY” status today. Additional update for the fire will be shared as they are received from USFS Apache-Sitgreaves Forests.