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Two multi-engine Superscoopers join the Sand Stone Fire
Daily Update – Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Highlights: Containment levels have increased on all three fires. The Sand Stone, Deer, and Davenport Fires are now reported at 20%, 18%, and 93% containment, respectively. Two Canadair CL-415, also known as Superscoopers, joined the Sand Stone Fire yesterday and began dropping water on the fire. These aircraft will continue their work throughout the day.

Total personnel on all incidents: 470

Sand Stone Fire: Acres: 24,133 Containment: 20% Start Date: 7/25/2024 Fuels: Grass, brush

Operations: The Sand Stone Fire provides an ideal opportunity to utilize scooper planes, a specific type of aircraft that can “scoop” up to 1350 gallons of water by skimming the surface of lakes and then dropping water onto the fire. This approach is particularly effective for the Sand Stone Fire because it is situated close to Bartlett Lake and burning through grasses and brush. The two scoopers are targeting their efforts on the west side of the fire to moderate activity near the powerlines. Ground crews will continue to secure the movement of the fire on the east side as it backs down into Indian Springs Canyon. The fire continues to progress to the north, producing a visible smoke column as temperatures increase fire activity in the afternoons. Three Type 1 helicopters are also supporting ground crews by dropping water on the northwestern perimeter to cool the fire’s edge.

Deer Fire: Acres: 279 Containment: 18% Start Date: 7/17/2024 Fuels: Grass, brush, timber

Operations: Deer Fire activity in the Mazatzal Wilderness remains at low intensity as it moves through stands of pine trees, cleaning up fuels along the forest floor. Containment on the Deer Fire has increased to 18%.

Davenport Fire: Acres: 447 Containment: 93% Start Date: 7/19/2024 Fuels: Grass, brush

Operations: No activity has been observed on the Davenport Fire within the Mazatzal Wilderness for over two weeks. Containment for the Davenport Fire is now being reported at 93%.

Weather: On the Sand Stone Fire, weather is predicted to be in the upper 90s. Temperatures over the Deer and Davenport Fires will be about 15 degrees lower. There is a 30-35% chance of lightning and thunderstorms today.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. A daily smoke forecast for the Sand Stone Fire is available at www.azdeq.gov/wildfire/forecast/sandstonefire.

Evacuations: The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has moved the community of Sunflower to “set” status. “Set” status means residents should identify the closest shelter or safe space, prepare an emergency kit, listen to public health officials and be ready to leave the area. The Ready, Set, Go! program is a nationwide program to educate residents about steps to take during an emergency. Sign up for emergency alerts at ready.maricopa.gov.

Closures: Southbound State Route 87 is closed between State Route 188 to Bush Highway. The Incident Management Team is working closely with the Arizona Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety to determine when the highway can be safely reopened. See https://az511.gov/ for a map of the closure. The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire. More information can be found on the Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire area.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

More Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-sand-stone /
480-409-9683 / https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest / 2024.sandstone@firenet.gov