The Cow Canyon Fire was ignited by lightning on August 18, 2020 on the Alpine Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain, is in a remote location within the Blue Range Primitive Area, and has minimal values at risk, therefore, is in Monitor Status.  The Cow Canyon Fire is approximately 4 miles southeast of the Blue Camp in the Blue River Drainage. The fire started on the north side of Lanphier Canyon and moved to the south crossing the canyon just to the west of Cashier Spring. Franz Cabin and Corral are located to the east of the fire near Franz Spring. The fire is being monitored for movement to the east that may impact the cabin. Firefighters created a helispot near the cabin during the Whoa Canyon Fire in early July and will utilize that, if necessary, to help protect the cabin and corrals.The Cow Canyon fire grew to about 455 acres during a storm that occurred over the holiday weekend and early last week. It has...

Sears Fire evening update Sept. 29PHOENIX, Sept. 29, 2020 – Firefighters continued to hold and improve firelines around the perimeter of the Sears Fire today. Currently, the fire is 14,476 acres with 30 percent containment.Operations included the mop up and patrol of firelines along the west perimeter of Seven Springs Road in the Deer Creek drainage and at Humboldt Lookout. Fire crews are in place to monitor and protect critical infrastructure on Humboldt Lookout and are closely monitoring structures in the Camp Creek recreation residences.Fire crews continued mop up and patrolled firelines on the east perimeter along Horseshoe Road where a spot over occurred Sunday evening near the Verde River. KV powerlines in the area remain impacted by smoke and lower Camp Creek powerlines have been de-energized.“Taking preemptive measures such as nighttime burnouts of targeted areas to protect values at risk has proven to be a successful strategy in keeping the Sears Fire within the current...