Published Saturday, January 4, 2025, 1430 hours PT

Photo Credit | AZ DOF & Fire

The HORTON FIRE is burning about 17 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona in timber, brush, and short grass in the Tonto National Forest (USFS) in the Payson Ranger District’s area.

As of today’s update, the fire has burned about 1,390 acres and has a 17% containment status.

There are about 418 total personnel with seven crews, 32 engines, one bulldozer, four water tenders, and two helicopters representing the USFS (Tonto National Forest), and AZ Department of Forestry (Tucson Crew).

Incident Cooperators include AZ Public Health, USFS, AZ DOF, and AZ OEQ.

Firefighters will continue with firing operations which will create a potential increase in the amount of smoke in the area. They are also being tasked with working below the Mogollon Rim and along the Horton Creek Trail.

Fire behavior has been observed as minimal behavior with backing, creeping, and smoldering.

Structures and energy infrastructure are still under threat, keeping in force closure orders in effect for areas, roads, and trails.

The wildfire ignited on December 14, 2024, from an unknown cause that is currently under investigation.

A TFR is in effect.

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