Single Publication

Highlights: The Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Boulder View Fire from Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the Tonto National Forest at 6 p.m. Friday. 

Summary: Yesterday, the Boulder View Fire was active throughout the day. Firefighters made progress on the north end of the fire that spread across Bartlett Lake Road. Handcrews and engines worked to stop fire spread in that area. The western perimeter of the fire largely follows the north-south Powerline Road and crews made improvements to use the road as a holding feature. The eastern side of the fire burned into the Wildcat Fire burn area. Vegetation is regrowing in the Wildcat Fire area which could contribute to reburn in that area. Fire crews are working to suppress the southwest corner of the fire area utilizing engines and UTVs. Airtankers and helicopters were used along the south edge of the fire to improve a two-track road for use as a holding feature. In the early morning hours of Friday, 60 residences north of Dove Valley Road and east of 136th St were put into GO, evacuate status. Firefighters proactively burned vegetation around these houses to protect them from approaching flames. Air resources and ground crews worked together throughout the day Friday on the southeast edge of the fire which had the most fire activity. Crews continued working in that area overnight and this morning, improving retardant lines. 

Today, crews will focus on improving firelines and continue structure protection efforts. Crews will especially focus on the southeast part of the fire due to residences at risk and wind direction. 

Bartlett Lake recreation areas are inaccessible due to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office closing Bartlett Dam Road at Cave Creek Road. There is no entry for recreation currently. To get the most up-to-date information and news about the Tonto, follow them on X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest.  

Weather: Yesterday, the high temperature over the fire area was 100 degrees, with unseasonably high humidity of 26-31%. Wind gusts were 15-20 mph. Even with high humidity, fire activity was moderate to extreme. 

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression operations. The public is urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System. The system allows you to be quickly notified of emergency evacuations. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

Start Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024

Cause: Human, Under investigation

Location: 5 miles east of Carefree

Acres: 3,736 – Containment: 0%

Personnel Assigned: 242

Evacuation: GO/SET for residences southeast of the fire

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza4s-boulder-view-fire

Twitter: @azstateforestry: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry

Facebook: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry

Media/Public Phone: 480-581-1094

Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go