Single Publication

Acres: 11,162 
Start Date: July 11, 2024 
Location: South of Roosevelt Lake on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness 
Cause: Lightning 
Personnel: 404
Fuels: Tall Grass and Brush 
Containment: 51%
Resources: 11 Crews | 13 Engines | 2 Helicopters | 2 Bulldozers | 3 Water Tenders

Highlights: Gila County Division of Emergency Management along with the Gila County Sheriff’s Office have moved all evacuations orders that are in effect for the Black Fire to “READY” status. The following Tonto National Forest recreation sites will remain administratively closed to support fire personnel: Grapevine Campground, and Frazier Horse Campground and Group Site. Gila County would like to remind residents to prepare now; Gila County retains a culture of readiness year-round. For more information about Ready, Set, Go and to sign up for alert notifications visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. 

Tonto National Monument plans to open for normal summer business hours on Wednesday, July 24 at 8 a.m. 

Operations: Firefighters have made progress strengthening and improving containment along the northeast flank from Forest Road 341 south to the Black Brush Ranch to prevent growth during critical fire weather.  Crews and heavy equipment will continue to patrol the fire, mop up remaining hot spots near control lines; and start to repair and rehabilitate areas where suppression actions were taken, and clear hazardous snags and debris along roadways in and around the fire area. Light smoke may be visible at times, as interior fuels continue to smolder. As a reminder, residents and recreationists need to utilize caution while driving on the roads in and around the Black Fire as firefighters and equipment are traveling to and from the fire on state highways and roads. 

Weather: Overnight relative humidity recoveries have been around 50% and temperatures in the low to mid-80s. Afternoon temperatures are forecasted to be from 102-107 degrees with afternoon humidity readings dropping to around 20%. We will once again see scattered afternoon and early evening thunderstorms today, but the probability is low that rain will fall within the fire perimeter. The main concern with these storms will be the gusty and erratic outflow winds. Chances of rain increase Sunday and Monday as the overall flow becomes more favorable for storm development. 

Smoke: Individuals who are sensitive to smoke or have conditions aggravated by smoke are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/  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 at -  https://www.facebook.com/gilacountygovernment/

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 visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.