Breaking Update: Fierce Wildfires Rage Across Tonto National Forest

Lightning has ignited four wildfires in the Tonto National Forest. Officials provide the latest updates.

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — Firefighters are actively battling four separate wildfires in Tonto National Forest, each ignited by lightning. Here are the latest details.

Soldier Fire

On Friday, the Soldier Fire began burning on Pleasant Valley Road, approximately four miles east of Gisela near the Hellsgate Wilderness, according to the Tonto National Forest. As of Saturday afternoon, it has burned around 20 acres.

Smoke from the Soldier Fire is visible from State Route 87, Forest Road 417, and Gisela. Currently, no structures or communities are threatened by the blaze.

Deer Fire

The Deer Fire started on July 17 in the Cave Creek Ranger District, east of Horseshoe Lake and northeast of Bartlett Lake. Located in the Mazatzal Wilderness, west of Jakes Corner and southeast of Table Mountain, it has burned about 100 acres. According to Tonto National Forest, the fire is in an inaccessible area and poses no immediate threats.

The fire is near the Arizona Trail, and firefighters are monitoring its spread both from the air and on the ground.

Davenport Fire

Little information is available about the Davenport Fire, which is burning in the Cave Creek Ranger District. The fire has burned between 75 and 100 acres as of Saturday. An aerial assessment was conducted to evaluate its activity.

Cane Fire

Similar to the Davenport Fire, the Cane Fire has limited details released. It is also burning on the Cave Creek Ranger District and has affected about 50 acres as of Saturday. An aerial assessment was conducted to gauge its spread.

The Tonto National Forest remains vigilant in monitoring these fires, with crews prepared to respond as conditions evolve.

Wildfire Preparedness

Residents in wildfire-prone areas need to have an emergency supplies kit ready. This kit should include essentials such as three gallons of water per person, a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, a first-aid kit, prescription medications, important documents, and personal items like clothing and a sleeping bag. Store these items in a waterproof, portable container.

In case of evacuation, Arizona follows the ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ method. Be aware of hazards and have your emergency kit ready (‘Ready’). Consider voluntary evacuation if conditions worsen (‘Set’). Evacuate immediately when told (‘Go’).

Home Fire Prevention

To prevent fires at home, ensure there are working smoke alarms on every level and in every sleeping area. Operate appliances per manufacturer guidelines to avoid overheating and malfunctions. Have an escape plan from each room, stay low to the floor during a fire, and designate a meeting place outside. Schedule a home safety inspection with the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority at 623-544-5400.

Preventing Wildfires

Residents can help prevent wildfires by properly extinguishing campfires, avoiding the use of chainsaws and welding equipment on high fire danger days, and using burn barrels correctly. Drivers should avoid throwing cigarette butts from vehicles, ensure tire pressure is adequate, and never park on dry grass.

For those living in wildfire-prone areas, keeping roofs and gutters clear of debris, maintaining fire-resistant landscaping, and having an emergency action plan are critical. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends these measures to help safeguard homes.

Stay informed during wildfire season by following updates from trusted sources like Arizonanews.org and local fire authorities.

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