Forest Service vigorously attacking new fire start on Mount Graham

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Valley Central: Wisps of smoke can slightly be seen over the ridge at the Crack Tank Fire on Friday afternoon. As of 6 p.m. the fire had grown to about 40 acres.

Crack Tank Fire has grown to about 60 acres

By Jon Johnson

jon@gilavalleycentral.net

MOUNT GRAHAM – A new wildfire has started on Mount Graham and this time the Forest Service has air resources to help quickly quench it.

The Crack Tank Fire began Friday afternoon and helicopters were quickly sent to the area to perform bucket drops. The fire has grown quickly under favorable conditions and an air tanker and other aircraft has been ordered to hit the area with fire retardant. Currently, Gila Valley Central witnessed helicopters dropping apparent loads of water on the area.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Valley Central: Thunderstorms hit the area mountains Friday afternoon and it is believed the Crack Tank Fire was started by lighting.

The fire began on the northwest side of Mount Graham, roughly 12 miles from where the Frye Fire started. The Frye Fire was started by lighting June 7 and has grown to more than 48,000 acres and is still burning.

Thunderstorms hit the area mountains Friday afternoon and the Crack Tank Fire is believed to have been started by lightning.

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