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Wildfires are a "No Drone Zone." If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
On June 5, strong gusty 25 to 30 mph winds from the southwest are expected at the Sawtooth Fire.
"There is a chance of isolated, scattered thunderstorms, with the potential for dry-lighting and outflow winds. Firefighters are prepared to respond to increased fire activity and new starts in the area as needed," according to a release at inciweb.nwcg.gov.
The lightning-caused Sawtooth Fire burning east of Gold Canyon in the Superstition Mountains has burned 24,600 acres and is 8% contained as of late afternoon June 4, it states.
The wildfire, which started May 30, is in steep, rugged terrain near the area of the 2019 Woodbury Fire, 2 miles northeast of Peralta Trailhead.
The June 4 release at inciweb.nwcg.gov also states:
Firefighters are fully suppressing the Sawtooth Fire to protect nearby communities and other values at risk in the area. Firefighter and public safety is our No. 1 priority.
Yesterday, minimal, creeping, backing fire was observed. Sparse fuels helped to limit fire spread. With limited wind, fire activity is expected to be low to moderate again today. An excessive heat warning remains in effect today. As temperatures warm, fire activity is most likely to occur where fuels and topography align.
The most active part of the fire is in steep, rocky terrain in the Weavers Needle area on the northwest side of the fire. Firefighters are constructing indirect line in the Toe of Slope area and along the Peralta Trail and identifying holding opportunities should the fire grow to the north and west.
Yesterday helicopters dropped water to successfully cool pockets of heat on the east side of the fire. On the southeast side of the fire, the Queen Valley and Elephant Butte areas are in mop-up and patrol status. A heavy helicopter also helped reinforce firelines on the southwest side of the fire.
Today firefighters will continue to use a range of direct and indirect tactics where they can do so effectively. The goal is to keep the fire from moving west and south, as well as keep the fire east of the main Superstition ridegelines, west of Forest Road 172, and out of Elephant Butte and Queen Valley.
Warning notices or evacuations will be coordinated through the Pinal County Sheriff’s office via the Pinal County Emergency Management Office. For more information on the “Ready, Set Go” evacuation and preparedness program, go to ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.
