Holbrook, AZ- The White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group met today to assess current forest and community conditions. Due to rising temperatures and continued drying, the group has determined that Stage 2 fire restrictions are necessary. Therefore:

• The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.
• State Trust lands and BLM will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.
• Navajo and Apache Counties will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.
• The cities/towns of Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.

Please remember that Stage 2 Fire Restrictions apply to EVERYONE, including local residents and visitors. We all have an important part to play in keeping our communities and forests safe.

While restrictions are generally similar across jurisdictions, specific requirements may vary. Know before you go by reviewing the applicable restrictions at 311info.net under the Fire Restrictions tab or by contacting the local fire department or fire district. The 311info.net website will also provide updates about regional fires and emergencies as they occur.

Other areas throughout Arizona have also implemented fire restrictions. Please be sure to understand and follow the restrictions in effect wherever you live, travel or recreate. To check restrictions around the state, visit the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention website at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.

###

Flat Fire
Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Location of Origin: 9 miles southwest of Heber, AZ Start Date: June 20, 2026
Size: 103 acres Percent Contained: 0% Cause: Lightning, Natural Fuels: Medium logging slash

Resources Assigned: 4 engines, 1 type 3 helicopter,1 type 2 helicopter, 2 type 1 helicopters, 4 dozers, 4 hand crews, and a water tender. There are currently 174 personnel on the fire.

Operations: The Flat Fire remains active with moderate fire behavior. Fire activity includes wind-driven runs, backing fire, and moderate group torching. Isolated torching on the northeast and northwest corners continues to creep through retardant lines. Resources remain engaged on the east heel and flank of the fire utilizing aircraft, handline construction, and existing road systems to slow fire spread. Crews continue constructing direct fire line while scouting additional control lines for future containment efforts. Firefighters remain in a full suppression strategy and will continue utilizing direct and indirect suppression tactics where conditions allow.

Closures: Where the Flat Fire is closest to the proximity of the 300 Road, there is a soft closure to provide for the safety of the public and firefighters. Mile Post 46.39 and 52.26 along 300 Road.

Values at Risk: Cultural sites and heritage resources, tribal sensitive species, cattle and grazing, watersheds and riparian areas, woodland areas, and natural springs.
Weather: Temperatures are running 10 degrees above seasonal averages. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Little to no rain, but gusty and erratic winds are expected near thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Smoke: The fire is visible from Show Low while traveling west on Arizona State Route 260. Wildfire smoke from this incident and from adjacent forests incidents will impact Heber-Overgaard and Forest Lakes communities. Other fires contributing to smoke include the Sycamore Fire and Hells Gate Fire on the Tonto National Forest Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities. Visit fire.airnow.gov/ for current smoke conditions.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations currently. Residents are always encouraged to be in “READY” status regardless of if there are wildfires in your area or not. Follow the Ready, Set, Go! program to prepare for any threats to their community. Go to https://311info.net/ for accurate and timely status updates.
Official fire information can be found on these sites:
• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azfta-flat-fire
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs

Location of Origin: 4 miles south of Black Canyon Lake, AZ
Start Date: June 20, 2026
Size: 100 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Lightning, Natural
Fuels: Medium logging slash
Resources Assigned: 2 type engines, 1 fuels crew, I type 3 helicopter, 2 single engine air tankers and air attack, 1 dozer, 3 engines, 1 hand crew, and a water tender

Operations: The fire remains active on all sides with moderate fire behavior. Resources are currently engaged on the east heel and flank of the fire utilizing aircraft, hand line and existing roads. Aircraft worked to slow fire spread and support firefighters on the ground. Crews are constructing direct fire line from the origin side of the fire. Firefighters continue scouting potential control lines for future containment efforts and are in full suppression strategy.

Closures: Where the Flat Fire is closest to the proximity of the 300 Road, there is a soft closure to provide for the safety of the public and firefighters. Mile Post 46.39 and 52.26 along 300 Road.

Values at Risk: Cultural sites and heritage resources, tribal sensitive species, cattle and grazing, watersheds and riparian areas, woodland areas, and natural springs.

Weather: Hot and mostly dry conditions for today. Consistent winds coming out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Max temperatures are between 85 to 90 degrees. Temperatures dropping to low 50s in the evening.

Smoke: The fire is visible from Show Low while traveling west on Arizona State Route 260. Wildfire smoke from this incident and from adjacent forests incidents will impact Heber-Overgaard and Forest Lakes communities. Other fires contributing to smoke include the Sycamore Fire and Hellsgate Fire on the Tonto National Forest. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities. Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations currently. Residents of Heber-Overgaard are in “READY” status. The public is encouraged to follow the Ready, Set, Go! program to prepare for any threats to their community. Go to https://311info.net/ for accurate and timely status updates.
Official fire information can be found on these sites:
• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/azfta-flat-fire See less