Flying V Fire 

Sunday, July 9, 2023 

Location of Origin: Highway 60 at mm 300 

Start Date: July 5, 2023          

Size: 831 acres 

Cause: Undetermined            

Percent Contained: 5 

Personnel: 259                      

Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass

Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 3 helicopters, 2 Dozers 

Operations: Fire activityhas mostly decreased, however, smoldering fuels adjacent to suppression lines have produced small spots. Aerial resources have been crucial in quickly responding to and cooling these spot fires. An area along highway 60 that was consumed in the initial phase of the fire marks the 5 percent containment.  

Closure: The Incident Management Team met with ADOT officials this morning to start working on potential options for reopening highway 60 while prioritizing the safety of firefighters and the public. As soon as the official traffic plan has been confirmed, the public will be notified in a special communications update. The White Mountain Apache Tribe issued an executive order on July 7, 2023. There are no campfires allowed at the lakes, streams, or even in the community, and no yard burning. Wood cutting must be done before 10:00 a.m., and there is no wood cutting in the closure area.  

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for clear skies with a high of 96 degrees and winds from 10 to 15 mph. 

Values at risk: Emory Oak grove in the area of Flying V, tribal sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watershed and riparian areas, woodland areas, the Salt River recreation areas, the Highway 60 transportation corridor, communications towers on Brewer Hill, Cibecue Ridge, and north of Salt River Canyon. 

Safety: Wildfiresmoke may impact Cibecue, White River, Carrizo, Cedar Creek, and the White Mountain communities. The public is encouraged to take precautionary measures. 

Official fire information can be found on these sites: 

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azwat-flying-v-fire 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt  
• ADEQ Air QualityInformation: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077 
• ADOT: https://www.az511.com/ 
• Executive Order: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions and Forest Closures 

Location of Origin: Highway 60 at mm 300
Start Date: July 5, 2023
Size: 1,200 acres
Cause: Undetermined
Percent Contained: 0
Personnel: 114
Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass
Resources Assigned: 6 crews, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 1 type 3 helicopter, 1 Dozer

The Flying V fire started on July 5 in the early afternoon and the cause is undetermined. Due to the fires growth and increasing complexity, the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command at 6:00pm on July 6, 2023. A full suppression strategy will be deployed to minimize impacts to highway 60 and protect tribal resources.

Operations: The Flying V fire is burning in rugged terrain and all suppression strategies will prioritize firefighter and public safety. The fire was located west of highway 60 until winds picked up yesterday afternoon and ignited a spot fire on the east side of the highway. Aviation resources will be utilized to minimize growth in critical areas of the fire, and additional firefighting resources are currently responding. There are no threats to structures or infrastructure at this time.

Closures: A temporary emergency closure was implemented along highway 60, between mile posts 256-311, to provide for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression activities. There is no estimated time to reopen the highway.

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for a high of 95 degrees with winds up to 20mph.

Values at risk: Fire fighter and public safety, and protection of highway 60 are the highest priorities for the incident management team. The Flying V fire area includes important lands to the White Mountain Apache people. Firefighters are working to protect watersheds, riparian areas, rangelands, and heritage sites.

Safety: Wildfire smoke may impact Cibecue,White River, Carrizo, Cedar Creek, and the White Mountain communities. The public is encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azwat-flying-v-fire
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt
• ADEQ Air QualityInformation: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077
• ADOT: https://www.az511.com/

BIA Ft Apache social media update at 10:30 7/6/23 – The fire is still reported at 722 acres and 0% contained. A Type 3 Team will assume command of the fire at 6:00 pm. US 60 will remain closed until further notice. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Pictures were taken yesterday by the Flying V IC.