Firefighters are responding to several lightning-caused fires across the Payson Ranger District, which has experienced 16 lightning-caused fires in a 72-hour time frame.
The largest of the fires is the Greenhorn Fire, reported at approximately 4 p.m., July 22, 2023. The fire is in the northeast corner in Mazatzal Wilderness near Polles Mesa. Cause of the fire is lightning. As of Wednesday, it has burned about 52 acres of mostly Juniper and cured grass. The area received rain Monday afternoon which has slowed the fires progression.
Firefighters are looking at natural features around the fire to determine strategies for containment. The fire is exhibiting low to moderate fire behavior as it moves slowly across the forest floor consuming dead and down fuel. There are no values at risk or threatened infrastructure at this time. The fire is located ten miles southwest of Pine, Arizona.
The Tonto National Forest has experienced 24 initial attack lightning fires in a 72-hour time frame.