Flying V Fire

Location of Origin: Highway 60 at mm 300

Start Date: July 5, 2023

Size: 831 acres

Cause: Undetermined

Percent Contained: 17

Personnel: 248

Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass

Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 5 engines, 2 water tenders, 2 helicopters, 2 Dozers

Operations: Fire activity is minimal, with only a few areas that remain active. Due to the hard work of firefighting resources, the perimeter has not changed in recent days and suppression lines are expected to hold today with no expected increase in size.

Closures:

The Incident Management Team and ADOT have formalized a conditional reopening plan for highway 60. The closure that has been in effect on highway 60 has been modified to allow for traffic easement between 9:00 pm – 6:00 am with reduced speeds. Traffic will be escorted via pilot car tomorrow from 6:00 am – 9:00 pm and will be reduced to one lane. The public is advised to allow for traffic delays during this time. This conditional reopening plan may be rescinded if fire activity increases in the area.

The White Mountain Apache Tribe issued an executive order on July 7, 2023. There are no campfires allowed at the lakes, streams, or even in the community, and no yard burning. Wood cutting must be done before 10:00 a.m., and there is no wood cutting in the closure area.

Weather: Today's forecast is calling for mostly sunny skies with a high of 97 degrees and winds from 5 to 10 mph.

Values at risk: Emory Oak grove in the area of Flying V, tribal sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watershed and riparian areas, woodland areas, the Salt River recreation areas, the Highway 60 transportation corridor, communications towers on Brewer Hill, Cibecue Ridge, and north of Salt River Canyon.

Safety: Wildfire smoke may impact Cibecue,White River, Carrizo, Cedar Creek, and the White Mountain communities. The public is encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azwat-flying-v-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt

ADEQ Air QualityInformation: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

ADOT: https://www.az511.com/

Executive Order: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions and Forest Closures