Single Publication

Sand Stone Fire reaches 60 percent containment

Daily Update – Friday, August 2, 2024

Highlights: Due to successful firefighting efforts, the Sand Stone Fire has now reached 60 percent containment. Although State Route 87 has been reopened in both directions, travelers should be mindful on the roadways as firefighting operations are still occurring in this area.

Total personnel on all incidents: 562   

Sand Stone Fire:          Acres: 27,390     Containment: 60%     Start Date: 7/25/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush       

Operations: Minimal fire activity was observed on the Sand Stone Fire yesterday. Containment increased on the southern end of the fire, resulting in the Sand Stone Fire reaching 60% total containment. The northeast portions of the fire near Indian Springs and Quartz Creek, along with the east side near Dos S Ranch, are all holding within these areas. A structure protection group assigned to the Sunflower area continues to focus their efforts on protecting values in the community while also securing the eastern flank of the fire. Crews have prepped one mile of road along with a half-mile of chipping to reduce fuel loads near the entrance of Forest Road 201 to protect nearby communities and infrastructure. Preparation activities continue today around the Sugarloaf area and Old Highway 87. New suppression repair needs are being identified daily, including repairs to range fencing and a damaged water line. Firefighters are patrolling the northern perimeter and the area near Bartlett Lake to respond to any changes in fire activity.

Deer Fire:                 Acres: 355     Containment: 18%      Start Date: 7/17/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush, timber      

Operations: Yesterday, the Deer Fire grew slightly to the northeast, smoldering along the forest floor within the wilderness area. Firefighters continue to perform reconnaissance flights to record any changes in fire activity. Today, crews are scouting out possible holding features from past wildfires around the Deer Fire area. 

Davenport Fire:           Acres: 447         Containment: 100%      Start Date: 7/19/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush       

Operations: No smoke or fire activity have been observed for over two weeks. The Davenport Fire has now reached 100% containment. As such, this will be the last update for the Davenport Fire. 

Weather: Temperatures will become hotter today and into the weekend with chances of afternoon thunderstorms that may impact the fires. An Excessive Heat Warning was issued for the area around the Sand Stone Fire from Saturday through Monday.

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