Fire update on the Tonto National Forest

“Cooks Complex”

Total Containment Increases to 65% - Final Acreage at 7,171

Arizona’s Central West Zone Team Turns Cooks Complex Fires

to Tonto National Forest

Phoenix (July 16, 2012) – Reconnaissance flights on Monday, July 16^th, revealed two small areas burning deep in the interior of only one of the Cooks Complex fires.  As a result, some firefighting resources were released today.  The Arizona Central West Zone Team now turns management of the Cooks Complex fires to the Tonto National Forest, effective at 8:00 Tuesday morning. 

Multiple fires started July 11^th within the Tonto National Forest during a severe lightning storm near the central Arizona communities of Black Canyon City and New River.  “We want to assure residents that these fires remain a priority, and we’re leaving in place appropriate resources to patrol hot spots and respond to new starts,” confirms Incident Commander Trainee Andy Mandell.

On Monday, 45 fire personnel patrolled the fire that remains active – the one closest to New River.  These resources include two helicopters, a hotshot crew, an engine, safety officers and medics.  These personnel and resources are expected to remain on scene until the projected containment date, July 20, 2012.  The total combined containment stands at 65% Monday night. 

Arizona’s Central West Zone team took command of the Cooks Complex fires on July 13^th.  There have not been any injuries.  The estimated cost to date is: $515,880.

For further information, please contact the Cave Creek Ranger District office at 480-595-3300 or go to www.inciweb.org

Fire Start 1:         (Cooks - 12 miles east of Black Canyon City, Az.)

• 100% Contained
• Date reported: Jul. 11, 2012, 1:18 p.m.
• Size 189 acres

Fire Start 2:         (Closest to New River – the only active fire)

• 50% Contained
• Date reported: July 11, 2012, 3:09 p.m.
• Size: 1,824 acres
• Resources committed: 
• 1 Hotshot crew / 1 Engine / 2 Helicopter / Medics
• Summary:  Smoke was seen Monday in two different areas within this fire, burning in rough terrain and a remote section of the Tonto National Forest.

Fire Start 3:         (Closet to Black Canyon City)

• 65% Contained
• Reported: July 11, 2012, 3:10 p.m.
• Size: 5,158 acres

For more information, check online at www.inciweb.org or www.fs.usda.gov/tonto