Single Publication

Fire crews continued to work on the lightning caused wildfires across the Forest, aided by airtankers, scoopers and helicopters. Additional resources are on order to assist the Tonto National Forest. 

The Forest is prioritizing the incidents based on threats to communities and infrastructure. The main fires to highlight are: 

Tonto Basin Ranger District

Wally Fire, 1 mile southwest of Tonto Basin and Hwy 188, estimated 450 acres, Gila County, 75 personnel, gusty winds remain a concern for firefighters. Scoopers were very effective helping slow fire spread toward Tonto Basin. Gila County issued a SET alert for all residents on the west side of Hwy 188 in Tonto Basin. 

Asher Fire, 4 miles north of Tonto Basin and 2 miles east of Hwy 188, estimated 200+ acres, Gil County, two engines assisted by aircraft are working to suppress the fire. Strong winds started pushing the fire at dusk which resulted in the fire spreading south and west toward Tonto Creek. There is no immediate threat to communities this evening. Additional resources will be on the incident tomorrow. 

Cave Creek Ranger District

Clair Fire, southwest of Horseshoe Lake Reservoir off Forest Road 205, 2,000 acres, Maricopa County, Horseshoe Lake campgrounds are evacuated, Horseshoe Dam Road is closed. Local fire departments are assisting with the incident. Airtankers were used to drop retardant to slow fire spread around the fire perimeter. 

Bartlett Fire, west side of Bartlett Lake north of Bartlett Flats, estimated 2,000 acres, Maricopa County. Active fire behavior with running, torching and spotting was reported. Crews are engaged in firing operations to remove fuel in advance of the main fire to slow forward progression. Bartlett recreation sites are evacuated, and Bartlett Dam Road is closed. 

Skeleton Fire, Agua Fria National Monument east of Highway 17, estimated 20,963 acres, has spread east onto the Tonto National Forest near Forest Road 14. The fire started on Bureau of Land Management land. More info:  ow.ly/A2p050SQPCt 

This is an ongoing situation, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. 

More information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/