BOISE, Idaho — The Predictive Services at the National Interagency Fire Center have classified Graham and Greenlee counties as in the “normal” range for potential wildfires in August; however, there is a moderate risk for wildfire over the next few days, mainly due to the abundance of fuel.
The report shows that monsoon activity was irregular this year and, “as of the end of July, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows widespread severe to extreme drought over much of the Southwest.” The result is that “Elevated fire danger and ongoing wildfire activity has constrained the fuels treatment work that normally begins this time of year. The unfavorable conditions, particularly the lack of meaningful amounts of moisture, are expected to continue in August, so no large-scale burn projects are expected.”
– Contributed Graphic/National Interagency Fire Center
There are two wildfires burning in Greenlee County, and one in the Gila County portion of the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
In Greenlee County, the Lookout fire, near Forest Road 25 west of Reno Lookout Tower, was first discovered July 24 and is at 370 acres with 0-percent containment.
The Clear Cut Tank fire, west of Hannagan Meadow near Lost Lake, was discovered July 16 and is at 108 acres with 20-percent containment.
Both the Lookout and Clear Cut Tank fires started from lightning strikes.
On the San Carlos Apache Reservation, the Bronco fire, northeast of Phillips Park tank in Hilltop, was discovered Sunday, Aug. 3, at about 1 p.m. The fire has grown to 800 acres with 0-percent containment. Cause is under investigation.
Assigned to fight the fire are four Type-6 engines, a water tender, an RTRL Fire mod and a Fire Use mod, and a heavy equipment boss and trainee.
