Gran Fire Near Bartlett Lake

Phoenix The Gran fire, reported about 4 pm on Friday, July 21, started in the vicinity of Little Granite Mountain. It is located about 7 miles east of Bartlett Dam and about 9 miles NE of Rio Verde, AZ (Coordinates: Latitude: 33 degrees, 48, 30; Longitude: 111 degrees, 33, 26). The fire was caused by lightning and grew quickly due to wind most of the night and multiple collapsing thunderstorms. It is now at about 3,500 acres and poses several wildland firefighting challenges: extremely high local temperatures, remote access, and steep terrain. Positive factors include higher humidity and possible monsoon rain. The projected containment date for this fire is July 27, 2006. A Type 1 Incident Management Team led by Jeff Whitney assumed management of the fire at 6 pm, July 22. No structures are threatened. Lower Sonoran Desert natural resources in the area are at risk from fire damage. Public access on roads in the vicinity of the fire may be closed or restricted. Area residents and visitors can expect smoke and falling ash from the fire.