Pinal Fire Daily Update-May 22, 2017
Release Date: May 22, 2017
May 22, 2017, 9:00 a.m.
Information Phone: 928-487-0676
Email: pinalfire@gmail.co
Detected: May 8, 2017
Cause: Lightning
Current Size: 2841 acres
Containment: 18%
Resources: 5 crews, 8 engines, 2 type 3 helicopters, with 248 firefighters.
Location: Tonto National Forest, Globe Ranger District, 6 miles south of Globe Arizona, in the Pinal Mountains near Pioneer Pass burning in a northerly direction.
Summary: The natural fire frequency of the landscape where this fire is burning is every 2 to 17 years. Wildfire has been excluded from this ecosystem and last burned in the area in 1952. This has resulted in a heavy build-up of dead needles and leaves, branches, and logs. The area needs the reintroduction of low-severity fire to improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and reduce the risk of high intensity wildfire.
Restrictions & Closures: A closure order and Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place in and around the fire the area. For more information on these restrictions, go to the Inciweb and TFR links.
Operational Activities: Fire crews have been very successful in completing the burnout operations. Crews will continue burn out operations along the 651 road west towards Sulphide Del Rey. Crews working along the 112 road will not be firing along the road’s edge in order to let the fire creep down towards the 112 road.
Fuels: The major fuel types found in and around the Pinal Fire are long needle pine and conifer litter, grasses, and shrubs. The primary carrier of the fire at this time is long needle pine litter. Typical spread rates and flame lengths will be low to moderate in these fuels.
Smoke: Smoke levels may increase over the next few days due to weather conditions and fire growth. Smoke management specialists are continuing to monitoring smoke conditions in close coordination with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Gila County Office of Emergency Management. If you have respiratory problems or are sensitive to smoke, either stay indoors with windows closed or, if possible, relocate to someplace away from the smoke. If symptoms persist or become more severe, please contact your primary care provider as soon as possible. For more information, see AZDEQ Smoke Brochure.
Fire Behavior: The fire is burning slowly and will continue to spread with mostly low intensity through the underbrush and duff. This low intensity fire will help clear out the build-up of needles, branches, and logs to allow nutrients and sunlight to reach the soil and spur vibrant new growth. Occasionally fire will encounter a concentration of logs and branches and will flare up briefly, but will quickly return to its slow creep through the undergrowth.
Values at Risk: Values in the fire planning area include private land and recreation residences; electronic and communication sites on Signal, Sulphide Del Ray, and Pinal Peaks; Forest Service structures, campgrounds and infrastructure; Mexican Spotted owl habitat; and cultural and historic sites. No structures have been damaged or destroyed. No evacuations are anticipated.
Special Concerns: Firefighter & public safety is the priority. Firefighting aircraft cannot fly if drones or remote control aircraft are in the air. Do not fly such aircraft within the temporary flight restriction area.
Related Links: Inciweb Tonto NF Facebook Tonto Fire and Aviation TFR Link
Alerts & Warnings
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- Amended - Apache Lake Closure - Lower Burnt Corral Campground remains closed
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure