Lightning Activity Ignites Several Tonto National Forest Fires, June 28, 2016

Release Date: Jun 28, 2016

PHOENIX —For Immediate Release.  Lightning storms lit up the sky east of Phoenix, and several new fires have been reported this morning.

Superstition Fire

Location:

• Superstition Wilderness, approximately 10 mile northeast of Apache Junction
• Nearest town is Apache Junction, AZ

Start Date:  June 27, 2016

Size:  approximately 100 acres

Percent Contained:  0%

Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  The Superstition Fire is burning near Charlebois Spring on the west end of the Superstition Wilderness.  Because of the remote location and rugged terrain, this fire is currently being monitored from the air.  There is chance for afternoon thunderstorms and erratic winds in the area of the fire.  This fire may be visible from Mesa and Apache Junction.

Plow Fire                 

Location:

• Superstition Wilderness, approximately 15 north of Superior, and 12 miles south of Roosevelt Dam
• Nearest town is Superior, AZ

Start Date:  June 27, 2016

Size:  approximately 1/2 acre

Percent Contained:  0

Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  The Plow Fire is burning near Whiskey Spring on the east end of the Superstition Wilderness.  Because of the remote location and rugged terrain, this fire is being monitored from the air.  There is a chance for afternoon thunderstorms and erratic winds in the area of the fire.  This fire may be visible from Superior or Tonto Basin and the Roosevelt Lake area.

Goat Fire

Location:

• Approximately 17 miles northeast of Black Canyon City, AZ
• Near town is Black Canyon City, AZ

Start Date: June 26, 2016

Size:  approximately 5 acres

Percent Contained:  0

Cause:  lightning

Summary:  The Goat Fire is burning on Goat Peak on the north end of the Tonto National Forest, northeast of Black Canyon City.  There are no structures in the area, and nothing is threatened.  As of this morning smoke is coming from the interior of the fire.