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Fire Update:

Boosted by additional resources, super scoopers, and helicopters, fire crews made good progress slowing fire spread and reinforcing containment lines on the lightning-caused fires across the Tonto National Forest. On Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, Southwest Incident Management Team 4 will assume command of the Clair, Bartlett and Sheep fires and will provide information on those fires in their daily update. 

The Forest is prioritizing the following incidents based on threats posed to communities and infrastructure. The main fires to highlight are: 

Cave Creek Ranger District
Clair Fire, about 25 miles north of Scottsdale and southwest of Horseshoe Lake Reservoir off Forest Road 205, estimated 2,170 acres and 0% containment, Maricopa County, Recreation sites at Horseshoe remain inaccessible due to fire proximity and road closures. Horseshoe Dam Road is closed. Activity slowed considerably today. 

Bartlett Fire, about 25 miles northeast of Scottsdale and north of Bartlett Flatts on the west side of Bartlett Lake, estimated 5,600 acres and 0% containment, Maricopa County. Progress was made on strengthening containment lines on the south side of the fire. Bartlett recreation sites remain inaccessible due to fire proximity and road closures. Bartlett Dam Road is closed. 

Sheep Fire, 2 miles northeast of Sheep Bridge on the Verde River, Yavapai County within Mazatzal wilderness. Approximately 1,000 acres. Crews are checking the fire closely and developing strategies to implement in case fire activity increases. 

Skeleton Fire, Agua Fria National Monument east of Highway 17, estimated 20,963 acres, has spread east onto the Tonto National Forest near Forest Road 14. The fire started on Bureau of Land Management land. More info: ow.ly/A2p050SQPCt 

Tonto Basin Ranger District
Wally Fire, 1 mile southwest of Tonto Basin and Hwy 188, estimated 685 acres with 30% containment, Gila County, 60 personnel. Scoopers were very effective helping slow fire spread toward Tonto Basin while crews took actions to provide point protection for the community. A fair amount of rain fell on the fire area around 6 p.m. Effective 7 p.m. Tuesday, Gila County lifted the SET status for all residents on the west side of Hwy 188 in Tonto Basin. 

Asher Fire, 4 miles north of Tonto Basin and 2 miles east of Hwy 188, estimated 183 acres and 0% containment, Gila County, 60 personnel. Crews continued to utilize helicopters to drop water on hot spots. A fair amount of rain fell on the fire area around 6 p.m. There is no immediate threat to communities this evening. 
More information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/