Firefighters continue to work to contain the Backbone wildfire that was started last week by lightning.
The Backbone Fire is one of dozens of wildfires burning in hot, dry conditions across Arizona. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority as only 1 percent of the fire is contained. There will be a community meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Philip England Performing Art center in Camp Verde, Ariz.
On the west side, fire crews continue to monitor the fire as it nears the east side of the Verde River. Contingency lines near Beasley Flat and Camp Verde are being improved. Preparation efforts also continue along State Route 260 and near structures and other infrastructure for possible firing operations. Weather conditions overnight did not allow for additional firing operations; however, fire personnel continued to hold, patrol and secure the east side of the fire, improving previous night’s operations. Crews and aircraft continue to work the southeast area of the fire in areas including Hardscrabble Canyon and Deadman Mesa to prevent fire from establishing in the drainage.
An emergency area fire closure has been issued to protect public health and safety from fire activities. All Tonto, Coconino, and Prescott National Forest lands, roads, and trails in the area of the Backbone Fire are closed. Full details of area and road closures are available on the Backbone Fire Inciweb page at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7545/.
State Route 260 is closed between Camp Verde and state Route 87. State Route 87 is closed north of Payson to Clint’s Well. Motorists are advised to visit https://www.az511.com for current road closures before traveling.
Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) is working closely with the agencies responding to wildfires across the state. While there has been some impact to APS infrastructure due to the Backbone Fire, there are no customers without power at this time because of fire activity and disruption in service is not currently anticipated. APS is monitoring fire progress and will coordinate with emergency response agencies in the event there is a need to take power lines out of service to protect firefighters and/or if the fire or smoke impacts electrical infrastructure. APS customers can visit [aps.com/outagecenter] aps.com/outagecenter for information on how to be prepared for an outage and to view the APS outage map.
Gusty and erratic winds from outflow will be possible, but the chance of any measurable rain remains low.
Evacuations: Evacuation orders were issued for the communities of Pine and Strawberry. Residents and visitors should contact their county or visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go for information regarding evacuation status.
No Drone Zone: A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the Backbone Fire.
Fire Danger Remains Extreme. National Forest closures are in effect on the Kaibab and Coconino 6/23/21, Apache-Sitgreaves 6/24/21, Prescott 6/25/21. Tonto National Forest will implement a Forest Closure beginning Friday, June 25. Check for fire restrictions or information on fire activity around Arizona at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/.
