Some Fire Updates

The "Potato Complex" fire is in the Apache-Sigreaves National Forest & has burned 500 acres & is 10% contained. This fire is 10 miles northwest of Heber-Overgaard & is burning in ponderosa, pinyon pine & grass. Crowning, torching & moderate range spotter were observed. A 500 kilovolt power line is still threatened. Heavy fuel loading & steep terrain are contributing to rate of spread.

The "Kinlichee 02" fire was stopped at 1,655 acres with 100% containment.

The 2,000 plus "Bonita" fire, located on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, is now 85% contained. Incident Commander Dennis Logan, & Incident Commander Trainee Duane Chapman, are pleased with the progress made on the lightning caused fire by Type I Hotshot & local San Carlos Apache Firefighters. The San Carlos Bureau of Indian Affairs is the lead agency. More than 218 fire personnel have helped in the effort to suppress the Bonita Fire, located in the southeast portion of the reservation. The fire has burned grass, brush, oak & juniper in the steep & rocky terrain of Bryce Mountain. The fire is located 80 miles east of San Carlos & 15 miles north of the city of Safford. San Carlos Type II Crews 31, 32, 35, 36 & engine & fire use crews are working to mop up the Bonita Fire. The risk to cultural resources & to the Gila Chub, an endangered fish species, whose habitat is in Bonita Creek, is of primary concern, as well as wildlife habitat, soils & water.

The "Battle" fire has burned 125 acres, & is 0% contained is 8 miles SW of Mayer. The fire poses no immediate threat to structures 1.5 miles away, but the community of Pine Flat was evacuated as a precaution. Residents were allowed to return to their homes yesterday evening. Dan Oltrogge's Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team was ordered and then cancelled. Resources assigned: 3 Type 2 crews, 4 engines, 1 water tender.

The La Barranca burned 836 acres, & is 100% contained.