Single Publication

Summary: The fire stayed quiet overnight with the exception of the southwest flank as it continued to burn within pockets of fuels. Engine crews spent the night patrolling and monitoring areas where crews conducted burnout operations earlier in the day. Today, hand crews continue with those operations on the north side as they work ahead of the fire trying to tie in line and ultimately pinch the fire off at Willow Springs and Freeman Roads. Dozer operations also continue on the south side of the fire. Resources are working to keep the fire south and east of Freeman Road, north of Willow Springs Road, and west of power line road. Nine hand crews, eight engines, four water tenders, a dozer, and aircraft are supporting the fire. Communities within proximity of the fire may see smoke and flames today as temperatures warm up and likely increasing fire activity. Storm chances increase through the weekend with the possibility for high winds over the fire area. Outflow winds could result in extreme fire behavior. Another mapping mission is planned for today. 

On Friday, despite another day of high fire activity, crews had a productive shift working to secure the north and east flanks of the fire to protect structures to the north. Large Air Tankers and Single Engine Air Tankers assisted those ground crews with their mission. However, due to hot temperatures, dry fuel, and high winds, the fire was resistant to retardant and burned through those lines. An additional heavy air tanker was brought in to support that critical side of the fire. Along the west flank, the fire continues to back down the Black Mountains and into flatter country. On the south side of the fire, a dozer engaged with putting in containment line. Dozer operations allow for faster suppression work in areas suitable for the heavy machinery. The wind-driven fire continued to push to the south and southwest through pockets of heavy fuel, burning within mesquite, grass, brush, and other desert shrub. All sides of the fire remained active throughout the day on Thursday. Large plumes of smoke stayed highly visible to the nearby communities of Oracle, Oro Valley, along State Route 77 and State Route 79. At this time there is no threat to nearby communities. The fire is approximately nine miles from Oracle. 

The fire started Thursday, July 11, 2024, due to a lightning strike near the Oak Well Camp. A second lightning strike occurred almost a mile away eventually merging the two fires. Late Thursday night, a storm system moved across the fire area producing outflow winds that fanned the fire in all directions and pushed it out to the southeast toward ranch structures. Due to the proximity of the fire to the Willow Springs Ranch, fire operations made the decision to evacuate the ranch. That evacuation remains in place. At this time, area road closures are in effect to include: Willow Spring Road at SR 77, Willow Springs Road at Freeman, Willow Springs Road at Camino Rio, Freeman at Barkerville, and Freeman at SR 79. Residents in Pinal County can sign up for emergency alert notifications at: https://www.pinal.gov/1335/PENS---Pinal-Emergency-Notification-Syst. 

Weather: Moisture expected to increase over the weekend resulting in an increased chance for thunderstorm activity. A potential for outflow winds of 50+ mph. 

Safety: 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.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect on State Trust lands in Pinal County. Restriction info: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/.

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

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

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