Warm and dry conditions punctuated by periods of high winds in early September have resulted in increased activity on the Cat Fire. Fire managers have ordered additional ground crews to assist with fireline construction ahead of the fire. The Cat Fire remains at 0% containment. Containment figures are calculated based on a fire's interaction with constructed or natural fireline. Since the Cat Fire has not burned up to the constructed or natural firelines, no official containment has been reached; however, the fire remains within the initial planning area set by fire managers.Smoke update: Smoke continues to be visible from a wide area around the plateau. Smoke impacts have been minimal thus far but may occasionally effect the communities to the north and the northeast. Motorists are asked to always use caution when driving near or around all fires. For more information on local air quality resources, please visit […]

The Platypus Fire became well established in Secret Canyon yesterday, crossed to the north side of the canyon and moved through the brush very actively onto Dave Joy Point. It also continued to progress north in Secret Canyon towards the Taylor Fire scar. Night shift crews burned out FR539 west from Rattlesnake Mesa to the head of Secret Canyon to stay ahead of the fire moving north from Dave Joy Point. Today’s plan includes holding last night’s burnout, completing containment lines across the head of Secret Canyon, and securing the east end of the Rhino Fire near South Pocket Tank. The total combined acreage for the two fires is estimated at approximately 4,000 acres. A type 3 helicopter arrived yesterday and type 2 helicopter will arrive today to support suppression efforts on the fires. Both helicopters will be operating out of Sedona Airport. With that, the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been expanded to cover the dip site for water. The location of the TFR can be... […]