ROCK CREEK FIRE ON THE FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION

Fire Facts:

Human caused (under Investigation)

Fire is located east of Whiteriver and just above the confluence of the Rock Creek and East Fork drainage.

Start of Fire:  Friday, June 21, 2013 approximately 9:00 AM

Resources on Fire:  4Type 6 Engines, 1 Dozer, 2 Type 2IA Crews, 2 hand crews,

Current Size:  Over 800 acres

Fuels Involved:  Mixed Conifer

Summary:

The fire was active this afternoon and spotting was occurring at the head of the fire. This evening Fire Crews began preparing for burnout operations and will conduct burnout operations tonight. There are currently no structures threatened. The Eastern Arizona Type 2 Incident Management Team, John Philbin, Incident Commander will assume command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, June 22, 2013. Anyone having any information regarding the Rock Creek Fire contact WE-TIP at 1-800-47ARSON 1-800-472-7766.

Whiteriver, Arizona – The Rock Creek Fire started on Friday, June 21, 2013 at approximately 9:00 a.m. along the East Fork/Rock Creek Drainage east of the Community of East Fork. The fire is approximately 10-12 acres and burning Mixed Conifer. Fire behavior is high and some spotting is occurring on the fire. Fire Crews and Air Attack are working on the fire and additional resources are being ordered. Resources on the fire include: Air Attack, 4 Type 6 Engines, and a Tribal Fuels Crew. The fire was human caused and is currently under investigation.

The Bootleg Fire started at approximately 2:00 pm.m today. The fire is about one-half acre in size and mainly burning pine needles. Two Type 6 Engines are working the fire and a dozer is being ordered. The fire is human caused.

The Bootleg and Rock Creek Fire is a reminder of how important it is to be careful with fire. It’s also a reminder of how dry the forest is and how any little spark can start a major wildfire. Remember that Stage Two Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Reservation.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect today from 11:00 am this morning to 8:00 pm this evening for strong winds and low relative humidity. The affected area is from the Mogollon Rim northward to the Utah border. Winds are out of the southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 to 40 mph and humidity levels are 4 to 9%.

The Red Flag Warning means that Critical Fire Weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create expolosive fire growth potential.