North Taylor Fire Info

The lightning-caused, North Taylor, is 117 acres & is 35% contained & is burning on Mt. Graham in the Coronado National Forest. The fire is 19 miles SW of Safford in steep, rocky, inaccessible terrain. No structures have been threatened. Resources assigned: 5 type 1 crews, 2 Type 2 crews, 4 helicopters, 75 overhead, 269 total personnel. Crews have completed a line around the perimeter of the fire, as the fire activity was confined to low intensity creeping and smoldering. The focus will be on securing & improving the lines in anticipation of strong winds. Firefighters will strengthen the containment by extinguishing all burning & smoldering fuels within 100 feet of the containment lines.

The winds may hamper the helicopters assigned to the fire, as they cannot operate effectively in strong, gusty winds. When the winds allow, the helicopters will be pulling water from Riggs Lake, which is closed for swimming to allow pilots to work quickly without being concerned for the safety of swimmers & fishermen near the dip sites. The campsites around the lake remain open. Members of the public traveling up Highway 366 should exercise caution & maintain an appropriate speed in anticipation of heavy fire traffic.