Single Publication

Evacuations: There are currently “GO” orders in place for Tonto National Monument, Black Brush Ranch, Cross-P Ranch, Reevis Mountain School, Cottonwood Cove Picnic Area, Frazier, Windy Hill, Schoolhouse, and Grapevine Campgrounds. There are “SET” orders in place for Quail Run, Roosevelt Post Office, Lakeview Mobile Home Park, and Roosevelt Lake Marina and RV Park. Boat ramps at Cholla and Windy Hill are currently open. 

Closures: The Tonto Basin Ranger Station and the Tonto National Monument are closed due to the Black Fire.

Highlights: Crews focused on structure protection Sunday, including the Lakeview Mobile Home Park, ranches on the east side of the fire, and the Tonto National Monument. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Tonto, Coconino, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, as well as other jurisdictions. Fire Restrictions Map for Arizona and New Mexico can be found online at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions

Operations: Crews improved firelines around structures on the northeast and northwest areas of the Black Fire, where it was most active. Aviation resources, including helicopters and single engine air tankers, were utilized on the northeast side to slow fire progression. On Monday, crews will improve forest roads for use as firelines and continue to use aviation to slow the growth in inaccessible areas.  

Weather: The high Monday will be 106 degrees, with 5-15 mph west wind. There is a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon bringing wind, lightning, and rain. Fuel moisture is critically low, and fuels are very receptive to fire. 

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. 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.

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 at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Location: South of Roosevelt Lake on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness

Start Date: July 11, 2024

Size: Approximately 5,982 acres

Percent Contained: 0%

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Tall Grass and Brush

Resources: 4 Handcrews, 1 Helicopter, and 6 Engines. Resources will continue to arrive today.

Number of Personnel Assigned: 230

Tonto National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/fire

InciWeb: Black Fire Fire email: 2024.black.az@firenet.gov Information Phone: 928-295-1514

Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest