“Freedom in the Skies: Unleashing Helicopters and Drones Post-Horton Fire”

Highlights: The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) continues to conduct evaluations concerning post-fire threats. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been lifted as aircraft operations resume. Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are still being employed on the scene; although there’s no TFR, pilots are urged to maintain safety protocols when flying over the burn zone to safeguard personnel still operating in the area.

Operations: The SR-260 corridor is under surveillance and patrol, especially in regions that remain uncontrolled. Crews are focused on completing containment lines throughout the remaining portions of the SR-260 corridor, and travelers are advised to exercise caution around firefighters and equipment on the route. Firefighters are monitoring the perimeter and undertaking suppression repairs across all sectors. Grading work continues along Forest Service roads 76 and 300.

Weather: A warm and sunny start to the day is on the horizon with increasing cloud cover as the day moves on. Winds will transition later today to south/southeast with gusts reaching up to 20mph. There’s a 30 percent likelihood of snow showers at higher altitudes tonight.

Smoke: Smoke will remain visible as areas of vegetation burn within the core of the fire’s footprint. For further details, visit

Forest Orders: As of January 13, 2025, the forest closure order has been amended and reduced to reflect existing conditions. Forest Order 03-12-00-25-02 has been enacted to ensure public health and safety during the Horton Fire, as well as to protect firefighting personnel engaged in wildland firefighting efforts. For updates, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Evacuations: As of January 10, 2025, all communities have reverted to the READY evacuation phase. The READY stage is ongoing and entails preparations for potential hazards before they occur. Establishing “survivable space” around residences is one method to be READY against future wildfires. For additional information on how to make a fire-wise home surrounded by survivable space, please refer to:

Road Closures: For information on road conditions and statuses, visit the AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.

Fire details:

• Size: 8,346 acres
• Start date: December 14, 2024
• Cause: Under Investigation
• Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
• Containment: 89%
• Total personnel: 109
• Fuel: Timber, chaparral
• Resources: 1 crew, 5 engines, 1 bulldozer, 1 water tender

Information Links and Contacts: