PHOENIX — Fire crews are responding to the Black Fire in the Tonto National Forest, which has burned 11,162 acres and is 85% contained.
The acreage of the fire did not grow on Friday and crews were able to gain more containment.
The fire is believed to have been caused by lightning and is near Lakeview Estates, Tonto National Monument and Black Brush Ranch. Those areas, just south of Roosevelt Lake and west of Apache Lake, near the Maricopa County-Gila County line, are not threatened at this time, officials with the Tonto National Forest said.
In total, 11 crews, 13 fire engines, two helicopters, two bulldozers and three water tenders are fighting the Black Fire. That amounts to a total of 404 personnel.
Firefighters have been able to make progress and improve the containment line on the northeast side of the fire, which stretches from Forest Road 341 south to Black Brush Ranch.
Crews are working to patrol the fire, mop up hot spots and repair and rehabilitate areas where "suppression actions were taken."
The Tonto National Forest says light smoke may still be seen in the skies above the Black Fire as flames continue to burn through the interior of the fire scar.
Residents who live near the fire and anyone headed to a recreation area nearby are urged to use caution on roads as firefighters and equipment are using the roads to travel to and from the fire.
The Tonto National Forest has implemented a closure order for parts of the Tonto Basin, Globe and Mesa Ranger Districts due to the fire.
The order prohibits using any motor vehicle on a described road, being on a road or area within the closure or using any trails within the closure, which is shown in the image below.
As a result of the fire, services at the Roosevelt Post Office, located at 18762 N AZ Highway 188, have been temporarily relocated to Tonto Basin Post Office.
The order is set to end on September 1, or until whenever rescinded.
"The purpose of this order is to provide public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Black Fire on the Tonto National Forest," officials said on X.
The Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Command Team assumed command of the fire as of July 14, officials with the Tonto National Forest said.
The team has opened a phone line for anyone who needs information about that fire. That number is (928) 295-1514.
Aerial resources continued to drop water and fire retardant on the fire to stop the spread of the flames.
Officials encourage residents to sign up for the County Emergency Notification System which allows residents to be quickly notified of emergency evacuations. The Tonto Basin Ranger Station is closed until further notice because of the fire.
The Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have placed the following communities on "READY" evacuation status:
- All USFS campgrounds north of Highway 188 from the Roosevelt Dam to Schoolhouse
- Reevis Mountain School
- Black Brush Ranch
- Cross P Ranch
- Cottonwood Picnic Area
- Quail Run (Roosevelt)
- Roosevelt US Post Office
- Lakeview Mobile Home Park
- Roosevelt Lake Marina and RV Park
The Tonto National Forest is keeping both the Grapevine Campground and Frazier Horse Campground and Group site closed to support fire personnel.
The Tonto National Monument had been closed due to the fire, but will reopen for normal business hours on Wednesday, July 24 at 8 a.m.
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Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
Matches in a waterproof container
Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
Those in Arizona who have been affected by a wildfire or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.
Arizona Wildfire Season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
