Single Publication

Buckhorn Fire: 161 acres 

Start Date: July 11, 2024

Cause: Suspected lightning

Fuels:  Timber, Brush, Understory

Containment:  0%

Resources: 48

Location: San Carlos Apache Lands

Weather and Terrain Posing Challenges on Buckhorn Fire

Overview: Outflow winds and rugged terrain are posing challenges on the Buckhorn Fire, which is burning west of BS Gap, north of Buckhorn Tanks along the Black River on the San Carlos Apache Reservation near the Fort Apache Reservation.  The winds had pushed the fire across Skyline Ridge westward into an area that is extremely steep and inaccessible to crews. The fire also pushed south to the 2034 Road. Firefighters opted to go with an “indirect attack” strategy, to allows crews to construct fire containment lines safely in areas that are not as steep, to provide the greatest potential to halt the fire’s spread. Firefighters are working to clear vegetation along the 2034 Road to help slow the fire’s forward movement and hold it between the Black River and the existing road systems. Dozers and a grader will be working to help build containment lines where the terrain allows.

Weather: Yesterday, storm cells began to develop around the Buckhorn Fire in the late afternoon. These storms resulted in lightning and outflow winds gusting to 60 mph for several hours. Today, temperatures are expected to be between 83-86 degrees with west/northwest winds 5-7 mph, gusting to 15 mph. Chance of rain is about 65 percent.

Safety: Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. Drones may endanger firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t.

Closures:  There is an area closure in place around the Buckhorn Fire. Closures are being adjusted based on fire activity for public and firefighter safety. Please monitor the San Carlos Apache Tribe Facebook Page for updated information. (Link Below)

Smoke: Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.