InciWeb Photo: Smoke billows from the Bringham Fire.
Zero percent containment
Staff Reports
APACHE-SITGREAVES NATIONAL FOREST – The lightning-caused Bringham Fire, burning roughly 22 miles north of Morenci, started June 6 and continues to grow and was listed at 13,593 acres as of Sunday morning.
The fire has forced the closure of U.S. Highway 191 in both directions between mileposts 189 (just past Juan Miller Road) and 225. The closure is set to remain in place through June 21 and may be extended if necessary. More information can be found at https://azdot.gov/adot-news/us-191-closed-eastern- arizona-mountains-due-bringham-fire.
The fire is being fought by a Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team, which has ordered additional resources to support a full suppression operation. According to a news release, throughout Saturday, firefighters prepared the eastern edge of this National Scenic Byway by manually removing vegetation with mechanical tools ahead of planned burning operations. This advanced preparation allows firefighters to moderate fire behavior and control fire movement. In those areas that were previously prepped, firefighters ignited the remaining vegetation to remove any potential fuel source in advance of the main fire. By removing flammable fuels from along the road, firefighters can better prevent flames from carrying at higher intensities toward this valuable scenic corridor. Firefighters have completed over five miles of prep work along the roadway and will continue making progress in the days ahead.
Despite the lightning, light precipitation and strong winds observed yesterday, the fire did not experience significant growth and no new fire starts were detected in the area. Afternoon thunderstorms are again predicted to impact the fire area with gusty and erratic outflow winds that may be further amplified by steep terrain in the fire area.
