Juniper Fire, Update June 16, 2016

Release Date: Jun 16, 2016

Incident Commander: Andy Mandell; with Clint Remington, IC-Trainee
Information Contact:  Gabrielle Kenton—928-462-4071

Between 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Key Points:

• State Highway 288 is open to the public as are the recreation sites west of the highway.
• Forest Road (FR) 203 is closed from its northern junction with State Highway 288 and south to the Ellison Ranch turnoff.
• The area closure around the fire planning area remains in effect.

Summary: The Juniper Fire’s size has not increased beyond its current perimeter, though some areas in the interior and along the edge continue to smolder. With the increasing heat, high winds, and low humidity, specialists are monitoring the fire for hotspots which could flare up and start to torch unburned vegetation. Crews also continue to obliterate dozer lines and to repair other impacts from suppression activities. They are also inspecting roads, trailheads, and recreation areas for hazard trees and other potential hazards to the public from the fire.

A Burned Area Emergency Response team has been evaluating the burned area to identify places where monsoon rains could cause rock slides and debris flows that could threaten human safety or private property. Appropriate mitigation treatments will be identified and implemented.

State Highway 288 and the recreation sites on the western side of the highway are open. Forest Road 203, also known as Cherry Creek Road, is closed between the junction with Hwy 288 to the north and Ellison Ranch turnoff to the south. All areas east of Highway 288 inside the fire planning area remain closed due to safety concerns. Although fire activity has decreased, fire crews are still working on or near the roadway and travelers should drive with caution.

Campfires and other open flames are currently prohibited on the Tonto National Forest in accordance with existing Fire Restrictions. Fire Restriction details.