Single Publication

Acres: 11,102 
Start Date: July 11, 2024 
Location: South of Roosevelt Lake on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness 
Cause: Lightning 
Personnel: 445 
Fuels: Tall Grass and Brush 
Containment: 0% Resources: 9 Crews | 9 Engines | 7 Helicopters | 1 Bulldozers | 3 Water Tenders

Highlights: Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the Black Fire today at 7 a.m.  Incident Commander Matt Rau and members of Team 3 would like to thank Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Benjamin Steward for all their hard work on the Black Fire that has set us up for success.

Operations: The Black Fire is burning in heavy grass fuel loading that is fully cured and in manzanita with low fuel moisture that is actively burning when wind and slope are in alignment. Yesterday, crews finished structure protection efforts within and around the Tonto National Monument, focusing on cultural resources in the area. Structure protection efforts will continue south of State Route 188 at Quail Run and Spring Creek Ranch.  Crews working the night shift will monitor and secure the fires edge around Black Brush Ranch and south along Forest Road 449A, keeping fire from spreading to the east. There has been little growth on the southwest side of the fire, burning in the Superstition Wilderness.  Helicopters continue to be utilized along the northern side of the fire helping to slow its spread and assisting firefighters on the ground.   

Weather: A chance of thunderstorms after 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Increasing clouds, with a high near 100 degrees. Light southwest winds transitioning to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight, there is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 86 degrees.  West wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.

Smoke: There is moderate to heavy smoke present from the Black Fire as well as other fires in the area.  Individuals who are sensitive to smoke or have conditions aggravated by smoke are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map  allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure for land surrounding the Black Fire. 03-12-00-24-31_Black Fire_Closure_Order. Additionally, the Tonto National Monument is closed. National Park Service Alerts.

Evacuations: For current evacuation information please call Gila County Emergency Management at 928-910-4009 EXT 1 or visit the Gila County Government Facebook page.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression operations. Citizens are urged to sign up for the Gila and Maricopa County Emergency Notification System. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network.