Globe Miami Times Connecting you to the Pulse of Globe Miami
Griffin, Meddler, Alder, Rock House , Juniper Fires – August 29, 2020 Morning Update 
Griffin Fire: 61, 995 acres 44% contained Cause: Lightning
Meddler Fire: 4,452 acres 84% contained Cause: Under Investigation Grass and Brush Started 8/24 Location: 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt, AZ.
Rockhouse Fire: 7,805 acres 0% contained Cause: Lightning
Resources: 456 total including: 8 Crews; 31 Engines; 5 bulldozers; 11 water tenders; 5 helicopters, 2 masticators
Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’
Strong gusty winds may accompany thunderstorms with sudden changes of wind direction. A flash flood watch is in effect this afternoon through tonight. Dry washes and valley drainages should be avoided during heavy rain. Flash floods can occur within minutes after the onset of a rainstorm. Even areas that are not traditionally flood-prone are at risk after a wildfire, due to changes to the landscape caused by fire. Learn more: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-
Highway 60 remains closed between Globe and Show Low. Firefighters are constructing direct and indirect fireline on the Griffin Fire where possible and may have to conduct burnout operations using the roadway as an anchor to keep the fire east of the Highway.
West of Highway 60 crews will monitor and hold existing firelines and continue prep in the Tucker Ranch area. The portion of the Griffin Fire west of Highway 60 has been inactive over the last several days.
The south flank of the fire on the San Carlos Reservation has been inactive the past few days. Crews will continue to hold and monitor lines in this area.
Minimal fire activity has been observed on the Salt Fire and Meddler Fires. Management of the Salt Fire has been turned back to the Tonto National Forest. Three engines continue to monitor and patrol firelines on the Meddler Fire.
The Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Alder, Juniper, and Rockhouse Fires. Juniper Fire is approximately 20 miles east of San Carlos. It started 8/27. The lightning caused Alder Fire (120 acres) is burning northeast of the Griffin Fire between the fire’s edge and the 1300 road contingency line. It started 8/27. The fire will be monitored by air today as managers asses access to the remote area and develop strategies to protect values at risk.
The Rockhouse Fire is burning in remote location 3.5 miles southeast of San Carlos Reservoir. The fire is threatening powerlines that provide electricity to the San Carlos community. An Air Attack plane and two super scooper aircraft will be working to help protect values at risk in the area.
Fire activity and movement will continue to be driven by dry fuels, terrain, slope and potential of winds from thunderstorms through the area. We are expecting higher temperatures and lower humidity over the fire area for the next several days. The chance of afternoon thunderstorm buildup and outflow winds will remain a concern for public and firefighter safety.
Firefighters are focused on protecting values at risk where they can do so safely and effectively. Challenges include extreme temperatures, steep and remote terrain, flash flooding, lightning and outflow winds associated with thunderstorms. Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority. Firefighters are working to protect local communities, power lines, mines, range improvements, historical, cultural, ceremonial sites and natural resources. We are working with nearby Incident Management Teams and agency administrators to share resources where they are needed most.
The communities along the east side of Highway 60 (north of Globe) from ADOT yard north to Winters Ranch including Johnson Ranch and McMillianville remain in a “Go” evacuation Status. The San Carlos communities of Upper Gilson and Skill Center have returned to “Ready” status. For emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/. Ready (Prepare Now) – Set (Be Alert) – Go (Evacuate) Info: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-
A South Central Arizona Smoke Outlook is available on https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/
generally from the west. Outflow winds from storms will add an additional level of variability. Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://tinyurl.com/y3xp4cy3
Highway 60 is closed north of Globe from S. Parker Street (MM251) north to MM318. Highways 188 and 288 are open.
Call 511, visit https://az511.gov or https://www.az511.com/about/
Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, Road 900, are closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Please be careful while driving in the fire area as firefighters are working along roadways and travelling through communities to reach the fires.
The Tonto National Forest has issued Public Safety Closure Orders for the areas impacted by these fires. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/
Temporary Flight Restrictions are in effect. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
Fire Information: 928-421-4539 (public) 928-421-4579 (media)
Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Meddler Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Alder Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov
Rockhouse Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov
Juniper Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Arizona Fire Information: https://wildlandfire.az.gov
Interactive Fire Map: https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/
Arizona Emergency Information Network: https://ein.az.gov/
Griffin, Salt, and Meddler Fire Information Officer
Email: 2020.griffin@firenet.
Public Information: 928-412-4539
Media Information: 928-421-4579
Ridge Fire Information can be found on:
Guest Contributors include press releases, guest authors, and columnists who contribute less than 4 times a year.
