(Posted on May 16, 2012 at 7:10 a.m.)  The Bull Flat Fire is estimated to be 1,900 acres and is approximately 15 percent contained.

Fire Activity: The increase in acres burned reflects that the fire reached containment lines yesterday established by firefighters on the west side of the Bull Flat Fire. Firefighters caught one spot fire on the north side of the fire’s perimeter.

There is a decrease in estimated containment because more intensive mop-up needs to be completed along firelines where heat is being held in stump holes and large, dead fuels that could produce flying embers during wind events.

On Wednesday, crews will focus on extinguishing hot spots along the fire’s perimeter and construct containment line on the northeast corner of the fire in preparation for a burnout that will help to secure that portion of the line.

Advisories:

Residents and visitors in the Heber-Overgaard area may experience drift smoke from the Bull Flat Fire. The fire is southwest of these communities and afternoon winds are expected to push smoke in a northeasterly direction. Those with respiratory challenges should take precautions. Smoke also settles in cool temperatures and may reduce visibility for  motorists driving during nighttime hours.

General Information:

The Incident Command Post for the Eastern Arizona Incident Management Team is located three miles south of Highway 260 on Forest Road 512 AKA the Young Road. The fire is currently burning on lands administered by the Fort Apache Agency and the Pleasant Valley Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest.

Updates are also available by calling the 593 Public Information Line at 928-333-3412.

Fire Facts

Date started: May 10, 2012

Number of personnel: 309

Location: Fort Apache Agency and Tonto NF

Equipment: 7 engines, 2 dozers, 2 water tenders

Cause: believed to be lightning, under investigation

Aircraft: 1 light and 1 heavy helicopter

Estimated containment date: May 25, 2012

Injuries to date: 0

Estimated cost to date: $900,000

Property threatened: none

(Source:  Eastern Arizona Incident Management Team)