Published Sunday, May 19, 2024, 0845 hours PDT, Revised 1902 hours PDT

Photo Credit | Tonto National Forest

INCIDENT SUMMARY. The Wildcat Fire ignited from an unknown source on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The cause is currently under investigation.

FIRE LOCATION. The wildfire is burning east of Desert Mountain Community and Tonto Hills Development and west of Barlett Lake Reservoir in the Cave Creek Ranger District, northeast of Scottsdale (Maricopa County), Arizona.

CURRENT STATUS. The fire size increased overnight (Saturday) from 5,000 acres to 12,100 acres on Sunday due to increased fire behavior. Crews were able to successfully complete fire suppression efforts in the north and east divisions, however, there is an intense fire behavior on the southeast side of the perimeter. Aviation assets continue to fly over and drop retardant and water to stop the forward progression of the fire.

SIZE UP. The fire has burned about 12,100 acres of grasses and desert shrubs.

RESOURCES. There is one large and one light helicopter, along with seven fire crews, 10 fire engines, one water tender, and one medic crew currently assigned to the incident. More have been ordered by the IMT.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS. Some of the Incident Cooperators include the U.S. Forest Service – Tonto National Forest, Scottsdale Fire Department, Mesa Fire and Superstition FD, AZ Department of Forestry, AZ Department of Transportation, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Hotshot crews from Prescott, Globe, San Carlos Apache, and Mormon Lake. Corrections Fire Crews from Lewis and Perryville Prisons. Weather forecasting by NWS Phoenix.

Photo Credit | Scottsdale Fire Department

DRONES. Officials with the U.S. Forest Service – Tonto National Forest are reporting there have been multiple closed airspace intrusions over the fireline witnessed. When this happens, Officials are forced to ground their aircraft for the safety of their pilots and ground resources.

The federal government has rules against flying drones that interfere with wildfire suppression efforts. Violators can be fined up to $25,000 and criminal prosecution.

CLOSURES. For closures, visit the Forest Service website here –> https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=87555&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1RVA2fTuXyFfh6SDKqbJqqGKPSjmnzi7A_UDPML-KDGr2eThOgh-vt9_M_aem_AfuejtvH0YLkHWuLeNiGJEhvAhIRAvdiVCyIMUIqndJ7TJXm1AX5AKzMyO4dRgtci_5VmL654arcq9dQc4FAOlXY

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