Single Publication

Buckhorn Fire: 161 acres 

Start Date: July 11, 2024

Cause: Suspected lightning

Fuels:  Timber, Brush, Understory

Containment:  0%

Resources: 42

Location: San Carlos Apache Lands

Aircraft Used to Slow Buckhorn Fire

Overview: The Buckhorn Fire is burning in rugged, remote country west of BS Gap along the Black River on the San Carlos Apache Reservation near the Fort Apache Reservation. The fire is active on three flanks with potential for high rates of spread. Today, firefighters are working to identify access routes to the fire and opportunities to safely impede fire spread. This process of constructing containment lines farther away from the active fire front is known as “indirect attack.” Indirect attack allows crews to construct fire containment lines safely in areas with the greatest potential to halt the fire’s spread. Last night the fire crossed over Skyline Ridge to the north, and helicopters are being used to minimize spread. Computer models anticipate the fire to slowly work its way down the north side of the ridge. There are currently two crews working the fire on the ground with additional resources on order. However, competition for resources is very high as multiple new fires have started across the nation. Firefighter safety is our highest priority.

Weather: The Buckhorn Fire is expected to see temperatures in the lower 90s, light southwest winds with gusts of up to 13 mph and a 20 percent chance of rain. Isolated pockets of rain are expected along with a 40 percent chance of lightning.

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.