NOTICE: EXPECT HEAVY FIRE TRAFFIC AND THICK SMOKE ON US HIGHWAY 60 AND STATE HIGHWAY 188.

The following actions are occurring today:

• Monitor, patrol, and improve lines along the southern and western flank to provide increased security.br/>
• Prepare contingencies for the possibility of the fire moving north towards Roosevelt and east towards the Pinto Mine along Pinto Canyon. Incorporate natural terrain features as barriers. Use burnouts and existing black lines to divert fire from values at risk, such as Reavis Ranch, Roosevelt, and mining operations.

• Continue preparation of the 500 KV power lines to increase defensibility incorporating mastication of brush and bulldozer lines where appropriate.

• Look for opportunities to limit fire spread outside the Superstition Wilderness boundaries to protect private lands, grazing infrastructure, and mining operations.

Containment of the fire has reached 15%, consisting of the fire line from Buzzards Roost to Montana Mountain.

A low- pressure system is bringing increased winds and critical fire weather over the fire today. It is possible the weather conditions might approach red flag warning levels by Thursday with sustained wind speeds over 20 miles per hour.

Expect increased smoke lingering at Roosevelt Lake with the weather change, particularly at night and early mornings.

The fire established itself Tuesday in the upper west fork of Pinto Creek and Campaign Creek drainages. Wind and slope alignment issues may become problematic today due to the complex terrain. The fire is expected to move eastward along the west fork of Pinto Creek towards the Pinto Mine and possibly northeast along the Campaign Creek drainage today.

Western and southern segments of the fire are largely inactive.

Current closures:

Tonto National Forest fire has closures in place, for more detailed information go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=52969

The National Park Service Tonto National Monument closed at 5p.m. June 18th. The Monument’s administration decided to close until conditions change to prepare for potential impacts from the Woodbury Fire.

State Highway 88 is closed from Needle Vista east to the junction of State Highway 88 and State Highway 188. This includes Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and campsites along State Highway 88.

The following areas remain open to the public: Lower Salt River, Saguaro, Bartlett and Roosevelt Lakes, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Oak Flat Campground. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in place.   back...