Bush Fire grows another 23,000 acres, 7% contained
FINANCIAL GROUP
The Bush Fire in northeast Maricopa County swelled an additional 23,000 acres overnight Friday, cementing its place as the fifth-largest fire in state history.
The Bush Fire was one of numerous fires burning throughout the state.
In northern Arizona, improved weather conditions allowed firefighters to protect critical areas from burning by the Mangum Fire in the Kaibab National Forest.
The Bighorn Fire that started in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson has continued to grow while the containment percentage decreased.
The Bringham Fire in eastern Arizona continued to burn in steep, inaccessible areas as officials said strong winds could increase the flames in coming days.
Saturday also marked the longest day of the year — Summer Solstice — which fire officials said would cause more incoming solar radiation than any other point in the year.
This increases the heat above the Earth’s surface and can enhance winds that could quickly escalate the fires.
Bush Fire
The human-caused Bush Fire grew more than 23,000 acres overnight Friday for a total acreage of 174,397, according to InciWeb, which tracks wildfires across the U.S.
As of Saturday morning, the fire remained 7% contained.
Firefighters continued to attempt suppress the fire with ground and air operations along State Route 87 and the Beeline Highway.
Multiple communities remained under evacuation Saturday, including Brownsville, Jake’s Corner, Slate Creek, Pioneer Pass, Tonto Basin, Punkin Center, Sunflower and Apache Lake.
Gisela, Rye, Deer Creek 76 Ranch and Bar T Bar Ranch (BT Ranch) are still in “SET” status of the “Ready, Set, Go” fire preparedness model, meaning they should consider leaving the area or be prepared to leave when evacuations are ordered.
Mangum Fire
The Mangum Fire in the Kaibab National Forest grew more than 3,000 acres overnight Friday reaching 64,509 acres as of Saturday morning, according to the Southwest Incident Management Team.
Favorable weather conditions on Friday allowed firefighters to secure the critical areas of the fire. However, strong winds, hot temperatures and low humidity were expected to blow the active fire to the east Saturday.
The blaze remained at 4% containment with more than 678 fire crews working. The cause for the fire was under investigation.
Residents at Jacob Lake and homes along House Rock Road remained evacuated.
The following areas remained closed:
State Route 89A from Marble Canyon to
iFredonia
State Route 67 from Jacob Lake to the Grand Canyon National Park
North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park
North Kaibab Ranger District
Lands east of Fredonia
iiiiBighorn Fire
The Bighorn fire in Tucson measured at 42,798 acres. The fire reached 40% containment Friday morning, but had since decreased to 21% by Saturday due to better mapping of the footprint of the fire, according to incident commander John Pierson.
Officials expected the fire to cross east of the Catalina Highway into the Burro Fire scar, which burned more than 27,000 acres in 2017.
Firefighters continued burnout operations south of Oracle Saturday morning. Air operations will also support the firefighters on the ground.
The fire in Ventana Canyon was expected to reach the bottom of the canyon where crews would be able to engage with the fire directly.
Residence of the Mt. Bigelow & Lower Soldier HOA, Summerhaven Willow Canyon, Peppersauce Canyon to Highjinks Road and Campo Bonito have been issued evacuation orders.
Communities that have been issued “SET” evacuation alerts include communities of Oracle, portions of East Golder Ranch, Catalina Foothills between Alvernon Way and Sabino Canyon Road, North of Skyline Drive.
Bringham Fire
The lightening-caused fire burning in the Clifton Ranger District of Apache and Sitgreaves National Forest grew to 18,520 acres Saturday with a containment of 20%.
The fire burns in steep inaccessible terrain and remains active in Strayhorse Canyon, Lengthy Canyon and the east side of Red Mountain.
U.S. Highway 191 was expected to remain closed from milemarker 189 and 225 at Blue Vista until June 27.