Woodbury Fire

UPDATE – 9/6/19: Tonto National Forest officials have lifted the Woodbury Fire Area Closure, but “Davis and Crabtree washes, near Apache Lake remain closed due to the potential for flooding in these low lying areas.”

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UPDATE – 7/19/19: “All inquiries in regards to the closure on State Route 88 (Apache Trail Historic Road) should be directed to ADOT. You can submit questions to ADOT by online form or phone by visiting https://azdot.gov/contact

State Route 88 remains closed starting past Tortilla Flat to State Highway 188 at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Road blocks are in place.”

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UPDATE – 7/16/19: “Incident Commander Trainee John Johanson called the Woodbury Fire 100% contained at 7:00 p.m. on July 15, 2019. The fire is contained around the perimeter edge but is NOT controlled. There is still smoke and active fire moving within the interior through pockets of unburned vegetation.”

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UPDATE – 7/9/19: Containment is at 90%. The remaining crew are patrolling the line and monitoring what’s left of the fire. Additionally, “For the purposes of public safety, the forest closure extends beyond the fire perimeter. The forest closure includes a portion of the Arizona Trail (AZT) and Hewitt Station (Forest Road 357). The perimeter of the closure area starts at the forest boundary north of Apache Junction on SR 88 which makes the northern boundary of the closure area, east and south of SR 88 to Roosevelt Dam at State Highway 188 following forest boundary north of Highway 60. Any violation of this closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both.”

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UPDATE – 7/4/19: “Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team will be transferring command back to the Tonto National Forest July 5, 2019 at 6:00 a.m. Firefighting resources will continue staff the Woodbury fire and patrol the containment line.

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has completed most of their field data collecting and has begun the process of modeling. The team will complete a Values-At-Risk assessment to determine and prioritize work to protect identified resources. Next week, the team will work to compile an assessment which will be given to Forest Service administration.

Firefighters are utilizing the Dr. Bejarano Elementary School and Lee Kornegay Intermediate School as the Incident Command Post. As a result, parking will not be allowed in those areas for the Globe/Miami 4th of July festivities at Miami High School. After July 5 the facilities will no longer be occupied as Incident Command Post.”

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UPDATE – 7/3/19: Parking is not permitted at Dr. Bejarano Elementary School and Lee Kornegay Intermediate School for the Community 4th of July Festival at Miami High School. These sites are still being utilized for the Incident Command Post

Fire perimeter patrol and hot spot suppression to make sure the fire stays south of State Highway 188 and east of State Route 88 is today’s agenda. Occassional moments of smoke may be seen if fire hits fuel in the perimeter. Meanwhile, “The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is in the processes of assessing multiple resources and values at risk, including trails. When complete, the team will make recommendations for trails that may include the installation of drainage features and warning signage. Drainage feature recommendations will focus on reducing the amount of water runoff and minimizing erosion on portions of trails below steep slopes with moderate to high burn severity. Warning sign recommendations from the team will include burned area flash flood warnings at all trail heads and any area closures, if they are determined necessary by the team.”

Still in effect:

“Tortilla Flat businesses are still open. State Route 88 is closed starting from Tortilla Flat to State Highway 188 at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Apache Lake, Apache Campgrounds, picnic sites and trailheads will remain closed until SR 88 is reopened. This closure is expected to be a long term closure beyond the 4th of July holiday. The closure will remain in place as long as firefighters remain in the area and until Tonto National Forest and Arizona Department of Transportation evaluate and address all safety concerns along SR 88. For the purposes of public safety, the forest closure encompasses more than just the fire perimeter. The perimeter of the closure area starts at the forest boundary north of Apache Junction on SR 88 which makes the northern boundary of the closure area, east and south of SR 88 to Roosevelt Dam at State Highway 188 following forest boundary north of Highway 60. Any violation of this closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both.

Tonto National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and fireworks are not allowed on public lands at any time.

Closed Campsites: Burnt Corral, Crabtree Wash, Davis Wash, Lower Burnt Corral Shoreline Area, Three-Mile Wash, Upper Burnt Corral Shoreline Area.

Open Lakes: Roosevelt Lake Marina & RV Park, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, Horseshoe Lake and the Lower Salt River.

Open Campsites: Windy Hill, Grapevine, School House, Frazier, Frazier Group Site and Frazier Horse Camp.”

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UPDATE – 7/1/19: The fire is 80% contained with 123,875 acres burned. The personnel is down to 350. Internal hotspots are what crews are focusing on today. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is going to be working “to create a soil burn severity map for the Woodbury Fire” over the next few days. They are doing this in order “to model changes in soil erosion and water flow from the burn area.”

When it comes to area closures, “Tortilla Flat businesses are still open. State Route 88 is closed from Tortilla Flat to State Highway 188 at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Apache Lake, Apache Campgrounds, picnic sites and trailheads will remain closed until SR 88 is reopened. This closure is expected to be a long term closure beyond the 4th of July holiday. The closure will remain until the Forest Service and Arizona Department of Transportation evaluate and address all safety concerns along SR 88. Also, the forest closure encompasses more than just the fire perimeter; it extends from the southern containment lines down to Highway 60 for public safety. Hewitt Canyon/Station Road and Forest Road 172 while not directly impacted by fire, provide direct access into the burn area and are closed. Any violation of this closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both.”

A few other items:

“State Route 88 is closed from mile post 213 at Tortilla Flat to State Highway 188 at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. SR 88 will remain closed until all safety concerns have been addressed. Apache Lake will remain closed as long as 88 is closed.

Smoke may continue to be visible from US Highway 60 and State Hwy 188 and the communities surrounding the Superstition Wilderness as vegetation continues to burn within the perimeter.

Tonto National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and fireworks are not allowed on public lands at any time.

Closed Campsites: Burnt Corral, Crabtree Wash, Davis Wash, Lower Burnt Corral Shoreline Area, Three-Mile Wash, Upper Burnt Corral Shoreline Area.

Open Lakes: Roosevelt Lake Marina & RV Park, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, Horseshoe Lake and the Lower Salt River.

Open Campsites: Windy Hill, Grapevine, School House, Frazier, Frazier Group Site and Frazier Horse Camp.”

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UPDATE – 6/28/19: The Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team is now in command of the operation. There are 538 personnel still assigned to the fire. Containment is now 68%. The fire size is 123, 590 acres. Further information from the report:

“State Highway 88 is closed from Tortilla Flat to the junction of State Highway 188 as crews continue to monitor the fireline. Apache Lake, Apache Campgrounds, picnic sites and trailheads remain closed. Tortilla Flat businesses are still open.

Closed Campsites: Burnt Coral, Crabtree Wash, Davis Wash, Lower Burnt Coral Shoreline Area, Three-Mile Wash, Upper Burnt Coral Shoreline Area.

Open Lakes: Roosevelt Lake Marina & RV Park, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, Horseshoe Lake and the Lower Salt River.

Open Campsites: Windy Hill, Grapevine, School House, Frazier, Frazier Group Site and Frazier Horse Camp.

Tonto National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in place.

Tonto National Monument is closed.”

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UPDATE – 6/26/19: Hotspots on the eastern were spotted via air by their latest tool, an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Helicopters then dropped water on those spots. They plan to use the UAS again today. Further drops were made to aid ground personnel on the northern side. The line will be observed to make sure it is in good condition. The line south of Highway 88 is where crews are working to get a strong line connected with their burnouts. According to Officials, “Fire is still burning inside the fire area along the ridgeline of Fish Creek Canyon and parallel to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. For these reasons, Highway 88 remains closed from Tortilla Flat to the State Route 188 Junction.” Fuels within the perimeter that have not burned do not endanger the lines. This week brings high winds, so expect to see smoke. When it comes to the southern line, “Crews resume suppression repair along the southern border where they are repairing dozer lines, chipping downed trees and hauling out debris. The repair is intended to help the area recover quicker and minimize the effects caused by fire operations.”

Firefighters are working to strengthen the northeastern line. This means people returning to their homes or driving through the area are urged to use caution, because firefighter will still be along the Highway 188 corridor roadway. Also, “Recreation south of Highway 188 is still prohibited with the Forest Closure Order in effect.”

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UPDATE – 6/25/19, 11:11am: The evacuation order for Roosevelt area residents has been lifted. According to the realease, “The Gila County Sheriff’s Office has announced the end of the evacuation notice for ALL Roosevelt area residents. Based on the current Woodbury Fire information from the Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team and discussions with Emergency Management, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office has lifted the evacuation notice effective today at 11am for all affected residents.

– State Highway 188 is now fully open from Globe to Payson with temporary reductions in speed.
– State Highway 88 remains closed from Tortilla Flat to State Highway 188 at Roosevelt Dam.
– The Tonto National Monument remains closed.

There are still areas of unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter that will continue burn in the coming weeks. Please do not report fire activity within the Woodbury Fire perimeter. Smoke from the Woodbury Fire may continue to be noticeable throughout this week and into the near future.

Motorists are advised to use caution along the roadways where firefighters are working. Fire traffic will be present as operations continue.

The Gila County Call Center (928-402-8888) will remain open from 8am to 5pm for information about re-entry procedures. For fire related questions, call 505-399-2439.”

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UPDATE – 6/25/19: The fire is over 115,000 acres. It’s holding at 48% contained. There are 900+ assigned personnel. They have disconnected secondary phone number, 480-288-6110. They conducted operations to strengthen the southern portion, which included the usage of aerial ignitions. Officials note, “Most of the fire growth was observed in the area near Yellow Jacket Spring south of Roosevelt Lake yesterday. Helicopters with water buckets assisted in fire suppression. Today crews will inspect the drainage where the fire progressed to assess fire activity. Burning interior pockets of vegetation will proceed to produce smoke throughout the day.

Crews will continue to patrol the Highway 188 corridor to ensure all values in the Roosevelt area are protected. Firefighters are working on multiple highways and roads. Every effort is being made to fully secure the northeastern edge of the fire in the Roosevelt area to make sure that the area is safe before making the determination to lift the evacuation. Residents will be notified by Gila County Emergency Management when the evacuation is lifted, and can call 928-402-8888 for more information. Residents and recreationists should monitor the Arizona Department of Transportation website or Twitter for road information. Motorists everywhere should decrease speeds and yield to fire traffic.”

The Tonto National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are still in effect. The Tonto National Monument remains closed.

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UPDATE – 6/24/19: The containment is 48%. The fire is over 112,000 acres. Crews conducted firing operations along Forest Road 449. Firefighters returning to Incident Command from Tortilla Flat extinguished a human-caused fire that was kept to less than an acre. Firefighters are working to secure the northeastern side near Roosevelt. Also, they urge you to drive carefully when passing roadside firefighters.

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UPDATE – 6/23/19: 25% contained. Over 96,000 acres burned. The fire moved south of Apache Lake to the Reavis Trailhead. Protections of the State Highway 88 corridor & Highway 188 continue. It moved, as expected, to a new area on the eastern side with less fuel. The west & southwest lines northeast of Apache Junction are still holding strong with crews repairing the suppression lines.

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UPDATE – 6/22/19: Crews carried out further line protection operations to help reduce fuels for the fire. There are now over 1,100 personnel. The fire is expected to pass 80,000 acres. The containment is at 24%.

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UPDATE – 6/20/19, 11:57 pm:

Officials are conducting a public meeting at 6 pm in the Miami High School Auditorium (4735 E. Ragus Rd. in Miami).

The Arizona Humane Society Disaster Response Team is assisting Gila County Animal Care & Control at Lee Kornegay.

Evacuees needing further information are advised to call Gila County Emergency Management at 928-402-8888 between 8 am & 5 pm.

Another phone number is operational to help with the amount of calls pertaining to the Woodbury Fire. The secondary number is 480-288-6110.

The fire affecting the Roosevelt area is roughly 7 miles away in Black Mountain.

Tonto National Forest closure information & their updates can be found here.

Additionally:

“State Highway 88 is now closed from Tortilla Flat east to the junction of State Highway 88 and State Highway 188, however the businesses at Tortilla Flat are open. Highway 188 is now closed from the Highway 88/188 junction south to the Highway 88/288 Junction. Highway 288 is open. The Tonto National Monument is closed.

The following areas are open to the public: Canyon Lake, Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, Lost Dutchman State Park, Oak Flat Campground, businesses in Tortilla Flat. Tonto National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place.”

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UPDATE – 6/20/19: An evacuation alert has been announced by Gila County Office of Emergency Management to Roosevelt & Roosevelt Lake area residents to leave immediately. It is advised to bring your medications, pets, & valuables. They urge you to call 911 if unable to evacuate. When you leave make sure to have your windows and doors closed. There is a temporary shelter is set up at Lee Kornegay School (4735 S. Ragus Rd. in Miami). Livestock are able to be sheltered the Gila County Fairgrounds. If you are not able to evacuate your livestock, painting phone numbers on livestock prior to setting them loose for later identification is recommended.

The fire is over 50,000 acres, but 41% contained. Line reinforcement continues, as does protection for structures. The structure protection now includes Top of the World.

According to officials, “State Highway 88 is closed from south of Needle Vista east to the junction of State Highway 88 and State Highway 188. This includes Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake. The NPS Tonto National Monument is also closed.

The Forest Service Campgrounds at Roosevelt Lake east of Roosevelt Dam will be closed this morning June 20th.

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

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UPDATE – 6/18/19: The fire has passed 40,000 acres. It is 6% contained.

According to officials, “Closures: 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 Apache Lake.

The following areas remain open and accessible to the public: Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, Tonto National Monument Visitor Center, Lost Dutchman State Park and Oak Flat Campground. Tonto National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place.

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The Woodbury Fire has burned over 25,000 acres and is 0% contained. This human-caused wildfire is 5 miles Northwest of Superior. There are over 600 personnel assigned to the fire. Tonto National Forest officials have enacted restrictions until further notice. Officials also stated, “State Highway 88 from Needle Vista east to the junction of State Highway 88 and State Highway 188. The closure includes: Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and campsites along State Highway 88 within the road closure area. The following areas remain open and accessible to the public: Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Bartlett Lake.” They note, “There are currently no threats to the communities of Queen Valley Estates, Gold Canyon, Kings Ranch, Superior, and Apache Junction.”

A Community Meeting is being held on June 16th, by the Incident Management Team at 2 pm at the Roosevelt Baptist Church located on State Highway 188 in Roosevelt.