Phoenix Fire

Release Date: Mar 7, 2016

Phoenix Fire

March 7, 2016; 11:00 a.m.

Location:

• Black Mesa Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

• Navajo County, Arizona

• North of Highway 260, south of Highway 277 in the Phoenix Park Wash

Start Date: March 6, 2016, reported at approximately 12 p.m.

Size: 500 acres                       

Cause: Human           

Personnel Assigned: 60 Firefighters from local, State and Forest Service on scene

Resources Assigned: 2 Hand Crews, 4 engines, 1 water tender, 1 dozer

Vegetation: Grassy fuels                  

Summary:

The Phoenix fire, which started at approximately 12:00 noon on March 6, is estimated at 500 acres and is burning north of Highway 260 in the Phoenix Park Wash area, about 1.5 miles south of Highway 277. The fire is wind-driven and burning in mostly grassy fuels in the old Rodeo-Chediski burn area. The fire was human-caused and is under investigation. The fire’s momentum slowed significantly overnight which has allowed a dozer to get a line around approximately two-thirds of the perimeter.   Fire officials expect the dozer line to be completed sometime today. Additional smoke may be visible on the west side of the fire as there are plans to conduct burning operations today to support the dozer line. The Phoenix fire received no moisture on March 6, and the National Weather Service is calling for a 30% chance of precipitation tonight and tomorrow morning.

Fire Information:

For further information on this incident please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300.