Overview
- The fire was reported at 23,451 acres with 25% containment and about 1,145 personnel assigned, according to incident updates published on July 3.
- Steep, remote canyon ledges on Maroon Mountain and in Secret and West Fork canyons remain actively burning and are too dangerous for direct attack, so crews are using indirect tactics, hotshot crews, dozers, helicopters, airtankers and a retardant mobile base.
- Local authorities maintain evacuations and travel limits with Oak Creek Canyon in SET status, sections of State Route 89A and Woody Mountain Road closed, and some neighborhoods such as Kachina Village and Forest Highlands downgraded from SET to READY.
- Smoke has driven air quality from Good to Very Unhealthy at times and officials are running public briefings, a county call center, evacuation maps and a livestreamed meeting to keep residents informed; a Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect over the fire area.
- A new incident management team will assume command on Sunday and incident leaders warn that low humidity and terrain-driven gusts could produce more spotting and active runs, so managers are reinforcing contingency lines and prioritizing community protection.