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Sand Stone firefighting efforts allow for reopening of Highway 87

Daily Update – Thursday, August 1, 2024

Highlights: Superscooper planes effectively cooled the western and northern portions of the Sand Stone Fire yesterday. Aircraft will continue dropping water wherever needed to support ground operations. Due to decreased fire activity, State Route 87 has been reopened in both directions. Depending on fire activity and weather conditions, highway restrictions may be necessary at a moment’s notice. For real-time highway conditions, check https://az511.gov/. 

Total personnel on all incidents: 530   

Sand Stone Fire:          Acres: 27,390     Containment: 27%     Start Date: 7/25/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush        

Operations: Superscooper planes capable of drawing water from Bartlett Lake dropped over 80,000 gallons of water along the perimeter of the fire wherever heat was detected, focusing on the western side near critical powerline infrastructure. Aerial support operations will continue today. Ground crews and heavy equipment including masticators are securing the fire perimeter in Sycamore Creek, Indian Springs, and Quartz Canyon. Chipping operations will begin today near the Old Highway 87 as crews cut vegetation to create a more defensible area for firefighters. Preparations around the Sunflower community continue today as firefighters patrol structures and identify possible secondary lines along Forest Road 201. The interior of the fire is producing very little smoke, and control lines are holding across the fire area. Firefighters are beginning to identify suppression repair needs, including fence line reconstruction. 

Deer Fire:                 Acres: 308     Containment: 18%      Start Date: 7/17/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush, timber    

Operations: The Deer Fire experienced slow growth on the north side of the fire perimeter yesterday. Helicopter reconnaissance flights continue to monitor for any changes. Containment on the Deer Fire remains at 18%. 

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

Operations: Fire activity remains minimal. No change has been reported in acreage or containment for the Davenport Fire, located within the Mazatzal Wilderness. 

Weather: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible today with additional wind gusts and lightning in the stronger storm cells. On the Sand Stone Fire, temperatures could reach 100 degrees, while the Deer and Davenport Fires will reach the upper 80s. 

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 community of Sunflower remains in “set” status. “Set” 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. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at ready.maricopa.gov.

Closures: 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