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Horseshoe Two

NEWS RELEASE

Horseshoe 2 Fire Update June 12, 2011 9:00 p.m.
Horseshoe 2 Fire UpdateRocky Basin 2 Incident Management TeamIncident Commander: Jim ThomasFor Immediate Release: June 12, 2011 9:00 p.m.Fire Information: 575-557-8596 (Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00. more

INCIDENT UPDATED 4 HRS. AGO

Approximate Location

31.82 latitude, -109.211 longitude

Incident Overview

Fire approaches in the distance: the view from Massai Point.

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The Horseshoe 2 Fire started on May 8 in Horseshoe Canyon on the Douglas Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest in southeast Arizona. It was determined to be human caused and is currently under investigation. Driven by gusty southwest winds, the fire grew to over 9,000 acres on the first day. Extreme fire behavior was caused by unprecedented dry fuel mositures, an abundance of fuel caused by a frost kill of oak this past winter and strong, erratic winds. Evacuations of Portal area residents was neccessary the first night of the fire.

As the fire continued its growth to the northwest more evacuations occured including the communities of Cave Creek Canyon, Paradise, Whitetail Canyon, West Turkey Creek and West Pinery Canyon. Structure protection was initiated in all these areas, but some losses occured. To date 9 residences and 14 outbuildings have been damaged or destroyed. Many of these evacuations have now been lifted as the fire moved past these areas. Chiricahua National Monument in the northern portion of the fire was closed on June 9 and remains closed.

There have been three Type I Incident Management Teams that have managed the fire. All of them found it very diffucult to control the fire due to the steep terrain, lack of access, and extreme weather conditions.


Basic Information

Incident TypeWildfire
CauseHuman, Under Investigation
Date of OriginSunday May 08th, 2011 approx. 11:00 AM
LocationT28S R31E Sect 32, Near Portal, AZ
Incident CommanderJim Thomas

Current Situation

Total Personnel1,226
Size148,505 acres
Percent Contained48%
Estimated Containment DateWednesday June 22nd, 2011 approx. 06:00 PM
Fuels Involved

Mixed conifer, oak brush, pinyon juniper and grasses.

Fire Behavior

Larger fire spread has been predominately due to heavier fuels loading and terrain with some wind influence. Interior islands continue to experience single and group tree torching. Today the fire has predominately spread west-northwest-north and south with the terrain. Continuing erratic winds have caused short runs and long sustained runs have not yet developed. Spotting across AA and JJ division lines occured due to down canyon east winds. Fuel beds are extremely receptive to ignition as ERCs remain at 108. High winds will trigger high rates of spread.

Significant Events

Slopover on the west flank of the fire, W of the Chiricahua National Monument was contained at 120 acres. Local utility companies are beginning to repair power lines and poles in areas that are safe. Aerial ignition (PSD) is being used along ridges within the Chiricahua National Monuament to reduce fire intensity as the fire perimeter moves further into the Monument.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Additional indirect line locations have been proposed and are being evaluated with construction to begin next operational period. Maintain structure protection and continue to mop up around structures in Whitetail, Pinery Road, and Turkey Creek. Continue selective aerial ignition (PSD) when conditions are favorable to minimize fire intensity in the proposed wilderness area on the north end of Coronado National Forest and Chiricahua National Monument. Begin assessment for fireline rehab and the inactive interior helispots and drop points.

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme

Current Weather

Temperature91 degrees
Humidity4%

Unit Information

USFS Shield
Coronado National Forest
U.S. Forest Service
300 West Congress
Tucson, AZ 85701

Incident Contact

Horseshoe 2 Fire Information
Phone: 575-557-8596

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