Monument Fire Updates

Update 28 June, 1331

Monument Fire

Fire Information Incident Command Center: (520) 366-0760 or (520) 366-0761

Hours: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Started: Reported June 12, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Location: Palominas Fire District, in the Huachuca Mountains
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Memorial/Coronado National Forest
Cooperating Agencies: Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, DOD Fort Huachuca, U. S. Border Patrol, Cochise County, AZ State Land Department, AZ Game & Fish Department, AZ Department of Public Safety, City of Sierra Vista, Local Fire Departments

There will not be a Community Meeting tonight.

Current size: 30,526 acres Containment: 90%


Resources on Fire: There are 476 people assigned to the fire, including 8 crews, 31 engines, 4 helicopters,

Line Completed
Crews today will continue to patrol the fire line and put out hotspots. There have been several hot spots identified in the Carr Canyon and Oversight Canyon Area. All of these hotspots are within the fire perimeter. Fire crews and Ft. Huachuca crew continue to patrol and put out hotspots within the burnout on Fort property. These crews are also continuing to clear brush on Garden Canyon Road. BAER teams are assessing burnt areas and identifying and prioritizing areas that need to be rehabilitated. Crews are repairing fire lines that are cold as well as lines that were constructed around residential areas.
Initial attack crews continue to be on alert to respond to any new fire starts that may occur in the area.

Special Messages: Northern Arizona Incident Management Team led by Bill VanBruggen assumed command of the fire today at 6:00 AM. His team will continue to coordinate the fire suppression, initial attack and fire line rehabilitation efforts. Even though the fire is almost contained, residents may still notice small isolated smoke columns. These hot spots are well inside the perimeter of the fire. These smoke sightings may continue until the monsoon rains. Strong winds today may cause ash to blow around in the burnt areas. This blowing ash often takes the appearance of smoke from a new start. The incident Initial Attack crew will be available for any confirmed new starts.
Fact sheets and maps are posted throughout Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Tombstone, Palominas and Huachuca City. The Coronado National Forest and National Memorial remain closed to all visitors. Those traveling along State Road 92 should be aware of increased fire traffic and the reduced speed limit (45 mph) in some areas.

 

Update 26 June, 1103

Monument Fire is Largely Contained

SIERRA VISTA —  The announcement the Monument Fire is 75 percent contained brought applause from the audience at Saturday night’s public meeting.
The update from Greg Poncin also noted the approximately 30,000-acre fire, which began on June 12,  “has seen little or no growth,” again leading to applause by the nearly 60 people seated in a lecture pod at Buena High School.

The fire destroyed or damaged almost 70 structures and has cost millions of dollars to fight.
While the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team was in charge for nearly two weeks of firefighting, it will be replaced by another team early this week.

Kevin Martin, a forest supervisor from Oregon, said usually a Type I team, the highest level of wildland fire fighting capabilities, is replaced after a two week period.

Replacing them will be a Type II team, which hasn’t been identified but which should be heading to the area today and take over either on Tuesday or Wednesday, Martin said.

Because of the fire’s containment, the smaller team will assume the mopping up work, he said.
Poncin said currently teams working out of the Carr Canyon camp site and from the west side of the Huachuca Mountains are extending a fire line, working towards each other.

“They are about a mile apart,” he  said.

A pair of hot shot crews and two other groups are spending the night at the camp site so in the morning they will not have to be transported to where the lines are not yet connected, Poncin said.
Using slings, helicopters delivered food, water and sleeping bags to the firefighters at the camp site, he said. Sierra Vista Mayor Rick Mueller said all city operations will return to normal on Monday.

Fort Huachuca Garrison Commander Col. Timothy Faulkner also announced all post functions will resume normal operations as well.

Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever said, the fire has been tough on many, especially those who lost their homes, but there can be no denying the firefighters were outstanding.
Poncin had earlier said the local communities should be proud of their fire departments for working the blaze before the team showed up and continued to work side-by-side with the team.

Dever’s chief deputy Rod Rothrock said the sheriff’s department “has returned to normal, but there are still patrols” in some neighborhoods without power. Fighting the fire, “was a huge effort,” Rothrock said.

Although some things went wrong, he said he believes 90 percent was done right “and when I was in school, that was an A.”

Update 24 June, 0723

Aerial footage of Monument Fire taken on 21 June

http://vimeo.com/25477150

Update 23 June, 1539

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=smoFpxf2fMA#at=13 

 This is another photo montage displaying some of the most heroic and devastating moments of the Monument Fire.

Update 23 June, 0910

What: Monument Fire
Started: Reported June 12, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Location: Palominas Fire District, in the Huachuca Mountains
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Memorial/Coronado National Forest
Cooperating Agencies: Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Cochise County, Border Patrol, AZ State, Local Fire Departments, City of Sierra Vista

A Joint Information Center is open from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Please call (800) 288-3861.

Current size: 28,236 acres Containment: 59%


Resources on Fire: There are 1,311 people assigned to the fire, including 28 crews, 109 engines, 8 helicopters, 4 air tankers and 3 dozers.

Offensive Fire Fighting Operations Continue & Expand

Building on the previous day's success and the favorable weather conditions, today is considered a key day in suppression operations. Last night, crews continued burnout operations to widen the line north of Ramsey Canyon Road to the southern edge of the contained Garden Fire, reducing risks to residents. Crews will continue mop up in that area and work on fuel-reduction projects around Ramsey Canyon to prepare for additional burnout operations in that same area to widen and secure the lines. Flames and smoke may be visible close to Sierra Vista, however firefighters are controlling the burn under favorable conditions. Crews are also closing a gap in the line in the northern perimeter of the fire at Carr Canyon, creating a solid protective line to prevent the fire from hooking around into other canyons. Crews, supported by aerial ignition, are also continuing burnout operations along the southwestern side of the fire north of Forest Road 61 in the Blind Canyon area where the fire is burning in light fuels in the lower part of the canyon; this allows the fire to burn at a lower intensity, which benefits wildlife habitat and the watershed. These firing operations are the most effective method to minimize the threat to residents of fire coming out of the canyon. Winds are predicted to be mild today with high temperatures (l00s) and low relative humidity.
Many evacuations have been lifted and some roads have been opened; be aware of increased traffic in the general vicinity of the fire. Call the Joint Information Center for updates or visit the walk-in center at the Windemere Hotel to view large-scale maps and speak to fire staff.




Special Messages: A fire information meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, at 6:00 p.m. at the  

Buena High School at 5225 Buena School Blvd. in Sierra Vista. Fire information bulletin boards are set up at the High School, food court at the Sierra Vista Mall, & Windemere Hotel; fact sheets and maps are posted throughout Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Palominas, and Huachuca City. The Coronado National Forest remains closed to all visitors. Those traveling along Highway 92 should be aware of the increased fire traffic and possible closures and escorts. For up-to-date evacuation information, please call the Joint Information Center at 1-800-288-3861.
Fire Danger remains EXTREME because of the exceptionally dry conditions.

Update 22 June, 0934

From the Incident Command Center

Crews successfully conducted burnout operations to widen the previous day’s fire line north of Ramsey Canyon Road to the southern edge of the contained Garden Fire, reducing risks to residents. Crews will continue mop up in that area and work on fuel reduction projects around Ramsey Canyon to prepare for additional burnout operations between Ramsey Canyon and the southern edge of the Garden Fire.

Crews are also conducting burnout operations along the southwestern side of the fire north of Forest Road 61 in the Blind Canyon area. Flames and smoke may be visible close to Sierra Vista from burnout operations, however firefighters are controlling the burn under favorable conditions.

These firing operations are the most effective method to minimize the threat to residents of fire coming out of the canyon and to protect the Forest with lower intensity controlled fire. Winds are predicted to be mild today with high temperatures and low relative humidity.

Some evacuations have been lifted and some roads have been opened, so motorists should be aware of increased traffic in the general vicinity of the fire.


Update 21 June, 1019 

Written by Pat Call, Cochise County Board of Supervisors, Chairman
Tue 6/21/2011 12:57 AM 
some end of day thoughts 

While still far from over, the immediacy of the fire seems to be fading. The wind has retreated, new defenses are being built this evening and, unless there is an unexpected hiccup, the fire will continue around and behind the mountain, away from people and their homes, over the next few days. Ramsey Canyon is the next battle ground but, somehow, it seems less of a battle tonight and more of a 'police action' compared to what we have faced over the last eight days. I hope I'm right.

There really is nothing new to report tonight that you probably haven't already heard. While it seems to have taken awhile, there are now many sources of good and timely information. As this night ends, people are returning to their homes – slowly, carefully, albeit slightly bureaucratically. Those who are returning, even as inconvenient as it may have been, are fortunate; there are those who have nothing to return to but scorched walls and ash filled rooms. As the fire, hopefully, walks its way around the mountain, aided by the careful guidance and hard work of the fire fighters, our focus needs to shift. What happens next? How do we clean up? How do we get back to normal?

There are so many people who have simply done their jobs that we will never hear about. But, because they have 'simply' done their jobs, all of our lives are better, less affected or, in most cases, not even slightly inconvenienced by this country's number one priority fire.

I have this nagging thought that there should be one overarching, significant lesson to be learned from this, a life changing epiphany that we can pass on to the kids that will change their life for the better. Somehow I keep thinking that this unprecedented event should leave us with some profound lesson. But it eludes me so far. No doubt there have been uncountable instances of bravery, selflessness, generosity, concern, giving and such. These uncommon things have become commonplace in this community over the last week.

Maybe there is no 'lesson'. Maybe what has happened has simply matured us. Whether we are 20 or 40 or 70 years old, this last week has matured us. In so many ways we are better, more experienced and more capable of dealing with the ups and downs of life. Maybe what we can take away is simply a better perspective on life. I don't know. I do know that it is late, I'm tired and, strangely, I'm sort of looking forward to tomorrow and the normalcy of the regular work sessions, board meetings and budget discussions relative to running a county – all the things that usually take up my time. I'm also thinking I'm not alone … I'm thinking there are a lot of folks looking forward to the normalcy that tomorrow may bring.

In any case, I will be sending out fewer updates – unless things heat up again, god forbid. I will stay in touch in the future on an irregularly regular basis with varied and general information that I think will be of interest to you. If you need help or have problems, don't hesitate to get hold of me – I'll be glad to do what I can.

Pat.

Update 20 June, 1348 

This just in from Tide Loads of Hope:
"We are deeply concerned to hear about the spreading fires in Sierra Vista and are currently in touch with the American Red Cross and our Loads of Hope activation team to see how best we can help. Please look out for an update later today/tomorrow morning."


 Update 20 June, 0734

Monument Fire Sunday, 19 June

"From what I'm hearing, today is do or die day for the fire.  With the winds being as low as they are, the firefighters (from what I hear) have to stop the fire today or else a large part of Sierra Vista could be in jeopardy."

"Church is still in tact."

-T

 

Update 20 June, 0723

Monument Fire Monday, 20 June

We are still okay. Our apartment is not in the pre-evac or mandatory evacuation zone as of yet. As long as winds stay east and not northeast, we should be in the clear. If not, we are prepared to evacuate and head to one of the shelters here (kitties and all). I am glad this is finally making national news. This fire is the top priority in our nation right now, and I'm surprised it took this long to make national news.

We watched the smoke and fire blaze last night. We're not certain, but there is a very good possibility that our church is victim to this fire. The firefighters were using it as a shelter for themselves: sleeping quarters, food, movies, etc. So, I know they did whatever it took to try and save it. We should know more about this by Wednesday this week.

The fire is not on post. There were two spot brush fires yesterday (1 on post and 1 in town), but they were able to contain those really quickly. They have soldiers working long days creating doze lines in the event the fire makes it to post. I think the post and firefighters are working together to get the fire onto post where they can control it, instead of in Sierra Vista.

That's the latest!
Update 19 June, 2131
The fire has crossed 92 again and is moving east. Very likely the church is damaged or gone, but this is not confirmed. 
Here is a picture of what the fire at approximately 2124.

 

Update 19 June, 1428
Report from InciWeb posted at 1300.
 
What: Monument Fire
Started: Reported June 12, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Location: Palominas Fire District, in the Huachuca Mountains
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Memorial/Coronado National Forest
Cooperating Agencies: Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Cochise County, Border Patrol, AZ State, Local Fire Departments
A Joint Information Center is open from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Please call (800)288-3861
Current size: 20,956 acres Containment: 27%

Resources on Fire: There are 1,061 people assigned to the fire, including 22 crews, 100 engines, 9 helicopters
HIGH WINDS EXPECTED TO TEST FIREFIGHTERS
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect on the Monument Fire as crews expect winds in excess of 35 miles per hour with single digit humidity by this afternoon. The focus remains in the Miller Canyon area as the fire moves down towards the mouth of the canyon and Highway 92. Crews will continue to strengthen fire containment lines from Miller Canyon to the Fort Huachuca boundary to form a break between homes and the encroaching fire. The fire size is currently 20,956 acres and has destroyed 44 homes and 18 other structures since it started June 12th.

Special Messages: A fire information meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the Buena Performing Arts Center at 5225 Buena School Blvd. in Sierra Vista. Fire information bulletin boards will be set up at the Incident Command Center at Valley View Elementary, the food court at the Sierra Vista Mall, and the Jumping Jack convenience store on Highway 92 in Palominas. The Coronado National Forest is closed to all visitors. Those traveling along Highway 92 should be aware of the increased fire traffic and possible closures. All evacuation orders remain in place. For up-to-date evacuation information, please call the fire's Joint Information Center at 1-800-288-3861.



Update 18 June, 0836
Report from InciWeb released at 0800 this morning.
 
What: Monument Fire
Started: Reported June 12, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Location: Palominas Fire District, in the Huachuca Mountains
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Memorial/Coronado National Forest
Cooperating Agencies: Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Cochise County, Border Patrol, AZ State, Local Fire Departments

A Joint Information Center is open from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Please call (800)288-3861

Current size: 19,335 acres Containment: 15%


Resources on Fire: There are 764 people assigned to the fire, including 23 crews, 54 engines and 5 helicopters.

Yesterday's Activity: Crews continued strengthening containment lines east of Highway 92 and began mop up activities. Fire suppression helicopters and retardant dropping air tankers supported ground crews in Miller Canyon to calm the most active area of the fire. Successful efforts kept the fire from crossing Highway 92 and away from several homes. Local fire departments continued structure protection ahead of the main fire. The rapid response group assisted Sierra Vista Fire District and Fort Huachuca engines on an unrelated fire that broke near the aerostat north of Antelope Road around 2:30 p.m. The fire was 95% contained shortly before 5:00 p.m. at about 1,000 acres.

Today's Plan: Due to extreme dry fuel conditions, high winds, and single digit relative humidity, a Red Flag Warning is in effect. Crews will coordinate efforts with Fort Huachuca fire protection resources to look for opportunities for potential control lines. Crews will prepare and construct line from Carr Canyon to Fort Huachuca. Crews will hold fire lines north of Miller Canyon to prepare for a possible burnout, if necessary. Firefighters will patrol and mop up hotspots south of Miller Canyon and east of Highway 29. Crews will protect administrative sites within Coronado National Memorial and hold the fire line north of Forest Road 61. Crews will monitor fire activity along the US/Mexico border. Structure protection will continue.


Safety Concerns: Safety is always the first priority among all firefighting agencies. There are no injuries to date. One firefighter was transported due to smoke inhalation. Due to extreme dry fuel conditions, high winds, and single digit relative humidity, a Red Flag Warning is in effect. The weather forecast calls for the same conditions as yesterday, with wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour.


Special Messages: A fire information meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Buena Performing Arts Center at 5225 Buena School Blvd. in Sierra Vista. Fire information bulletin boards will be set up at the Incident Command Center at Valley View Elementary, the food court at the Sierra Vista Mall, and the Jumping Jack convenience store on Highway 92 in Palominas. The Coronado National Forest is closed to all visitors. Those traveling along Highway 92 should be aware of the increased fire traffic and possible closures. All evacuation orders remain in place.
For evacuation information call Cochise County Sheriff's Office at 520-432-9500.


Update 17 June, 1715
We're safe and sound. Kittens are doing well. Will post pictures soon. Here are some links for all of you to keep yourselves updated.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/abp-online
live stream, radio

http://www.kvoa.com/news/fire-at-ft-huachuca-not-monument-but-a-new-fire/
local news

http://www.facebook.com/u.s.armyforthuachuca
follow the fort's updates, looking better now

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monument-fire-az/152424388163732
follow monument fire

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=207600752060083441520.0004a5d855aceee58011e
decently up-to-date google map with labels 
Update 17 June, 1134
Arizona Governor declares state of emergency for Monument Fire.
http://www.kold.com/link/494702/governor-declares-emergency-for-monument-horseshoe-2-fires
 

Update 17 June, 0822
Just posted via the Incident Information Center

Photo taken last night, 16 June

 
Current size: 18,580 acres Containment: 15%

Resources on Fire: There are 764 people assigned to the fire, including 22 crews, 50 engines and 5 helicopters.
Yesterday's Activity: Predicted weather conditions and extreme fire behavior resulted in the fire crossing highway 92 at Stump Canyon around 2pm. Firefighters kept the fire south of Herford Road. Tankers and helicopters dropped water and retardant. No structures were lost east of highway 92. Crews continued to look for potential fire danger to structures, developing protection plans for homes. Firefighters continued to reinforce Forest Road 61 on the southwest part of the fire. Fire activity increased in Coronado National Memorial, and crews continued to secure the fire line and mop up hot spots. There was one injury as a result of smoke inhalation.

Today's Plan: Due to extreme dry fuel conditions, high winds, and single digit relative humidity, a Red Flag Warning is in effect. Firefighters and fire engines are prepared for extreme fire activity. Additional firefighting resources will join the night shift. Crews will finish mop up east of Highway 92. Crews will coordinate efforts will Fort Huachuca fire protection resources to look for opportunities for potential control lines. Crews will prepare fire line from Hunter Canyon to Carr Canyon to continue structure protection. Helicopters and air tankers will be utilized to drop water and retardant to help slow the fire. A structure protection group will continue to look for potential fire danger in the Hunter Canyon area. Crews will work to hold the fire along Forest Road 61 on the southern edge of the fire. Crews will prepare Forest Road 4781 for potential burnout operations.


Safety Concerns: Safety is always the first priority among all firefighting agencies. There was one injury as a result of smoke inhalation. Due to extreme dry fuel conditions, high winds, and single digit relative humidity, a Red Flag Warning is in effect. The weather forecast calls for the same conditions as yesterday, with wind gusts over 30 miles per hour.

Special Messages: A fire information meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Windemere Hotel in Sierra Vista. Fire information bulletin boards will be set up at the Incident Command Center at Valley View Elementary, the food court at the Sierra Vista Mall, in Hereford near the Post Office, and Jumping Jack convenience store on Highway 92 in Palominas. The Coronado National Forest is closed to all visitors. Those traveling along Highway 92 should be aware of the increased fire traffic and possible closures. All evacuation orders remain in place. For evacuation information call Cochise County Sheriff's Office at 520-432-9500.


Update 16 June, 1627
Evacuations are continuing to move north and east. 

Evacuation zones are 6 miles away from us.


Update 16 June, 1329
Church has been evacuated. Sunday services will be held in a hotel in Sierra Vista. 

The fire has jumped highway 92 again, which puts more homes and lives in danger. 


Update 16 June, 1053

Our church is under pre evac orders. This basically means that they should be prepared for a mandatory evacuation, but are not required to leave the area at this time. Praying for the winds to die down and the firefighters to get the upper hand today.

 This should not affect us. The apartment is about 7 miles north and 3 miles east of any threats at this time.   

Here's the link to an msnbc report on the fire: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43427567/ns/weather/ . This is a little sensationalized, I think. But, we're definitely staying alert.

Update 16 June, 0915 

We went to church last night for Bible study. Remember: the church is in the Hereford area, which means many of the members are being evacuated and affected by the fire. Instead of study, we had prayer and sharing time where we learned some more intimate details. The church has three confirmed families who have lost their homes to the Monument Fire and several others who are still unsure. The Baptist camp in the area was spared and all of the campers were evacuated safely. Various members shared experiences in which they were given the opportunity to witness about the grace, mercy, and peace of God. There are some volunteer opportunities (we baked some cookies, muffins, and brownies for those seeking refuge at the church last night) we've been able to help with. We've also offered the apartment to a family's cat who is currently hanging out in a cage. We'll see what happens with that.

The fire is now 17% contained. They think it will probably reach Garden Canyon, which is on post (Ft. Huachuca). The apartment is still far enough away from the Huachuca Mountains that we should be safe. Temperatures today are going to be getting up to 99 degrees and the winds are going to be strong (40 mph--stronger than any other day this week). So, please continue to pray for containment, rain, safety, and peace.

The community has been so supportive and helpful to all of those involved and impacted with the fire. It has, once again, been a great reminder of the wonderful country we live in. We are blessed.

Update 15 June, 1248

Media Update --- "Fire predictions for today are not good. The incident team is preparing for the same kind of event that took place in Ash Canyon yesterday to happen this afternoon in Stump Canyon – but they are prepared for it. Currently they are doing burn outs to lower the intensity and energy of the fire. Five heavy air tankers are on standby, 4 single engine tankers and helicopters are on stand by. County road crews and their heavy equipment are in the area and ready. The team is anticipating that the fire could jump Hwy 92 – and are prepared to stop it."

Here is a video posted by a local photographer. It is a time lapse video showing the uncontrolled Monument Fire yesterday.

 

Update 14 June, 1630   

"The Monument fire southeast of Fort Huachuca is currently at approximately 5,000 acres.

Emergency evacuation of Ash Canyon has begun. Once cleared, efforts will be made to ensure that Mountain View and Stone Ridge are clear.

Once this is completed deputies will move to Turkey Track, Stump Canyon and Hunter Canyon to advise residents to make preparations.

Highway 92 and Hereford Road is closed. The alternate route is Hwy 90 east towards Bisbee AZ.

Personnel with respiratory conditions should stay indoors due to smoke inhalation. Personnel needing to go outside should use breathing protection."

 FYI: Hereford Rd is about 8 miles from the apartment. I was driving back from church this afternoon and saw tankers spraying down the streets in Sierra Vista. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to wildfires, but I think this is a precautionary method to keep the fire from crossing the highway and entering Sierra Vista (not sure how effective this is). Winds are still gusting up to 28 mph and it is a HOT day. This means no humidity in the air to help with the containment of the fire. I've seen at least a hundred different emergency vehicles heading out to the fire in the last hour. Please keep them in your prayers. This is a dangerous situation that seems to be getting worse. 

View of smoke from Sierra Vista

Smoke from Hereford (15 minutes before they closed the highway)