Updated On: 9/8/2024 -
Valid Until: 09/09/2024 - 9:00 AM
Forecaster(s): M. Pace (ADEQ), R. Sherron (USFS)

West Fire

Special Statement:
Heavy smoke is possible tonight into Monday morning along low-lying areas on HWY 260 (especially near Tonto Village) and along HWY 87 (near East Verde Estate). Using caution traveling.

Smoke Map For 9/8/2024



Overview

The West Fire is burning along the Rim about 13 miles north-northeast of Payson, and the Preacher Fire is burning about 8 miles northeast of Payson. Firing operations are expected to start today (Sunday, September 8th), so increased smoke production is likely.

Smoke Synopsis

West Fire: Smoke will move toward the north-northeast during the day. Outflow winds from thunderstorms near the fire will push smoke in any direction; however, the most likely direction will be toward the south/southwest, causing brief moderate smoke impacts to areas in and around Pine. Overnight, smoke is forecast to drain down Bray Creek, and Webber Creek toward the East Verde River. Light to moderate smoke impacts are possible in Camp Geronimo and Geronimo Estates tonight into early tomorrow morning. Smoke in the area is expected to lift out of the area by 9 am Monday.

Preacher Fire: Smoke this afternoon will move toward the north before collecting along/just below the Rim, with light to moderate smoke likely in Tonto Village. Light smoke will also be possible this afternoon in areas along and just below the Rim. Outflow winds are possible this afternoon, which may briefly move smoke into Star Valley, resulting in brief light to moderate smoke impacts. Overnight, smoke is forecast to drain down Preacher Canyon with moderate impacts to Tonto Village, Kohl's Ranch, and HWY 260 as smoke drains down Thompson Draw. Smoke is expected to be the heaviest from midnight through 7 am, with smoke lifting by 9 am. Smoke is also expected to drain down Elisson Creek to the East Verde River, with smoke impacts possible to Beaver Valley Estates, Flowing Springs, and East Verde Estates. Smoke may also move into Payson overnight, with light to moderate smoke impacts possible early Monday morning.

Forecast

Click the name of the city to view smoke forecast

Payson

Images shown are for reference only. | See Legend >

Smoke Forecast:

Sunday
Sunday Night
Monday
Light smoke possible in the afternoon
Moderate smoke possible
Smoke lifting by 9am

Activity Meter

Legend:

  1  

- Stay Smoke Aware

  2  

- Minimize Outdoor Activity

  3  

- Stay Inside

Note: No matter what the forecast indicates, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or safely get to an area with better air quality. Please contact your healthcare provider with specific concerns.

Pine

Images shown are for reference only. | See Legend >

Smoke Forecast:

Sunday
Sunday Night
Monday
Smoke possible in the afternoon with outflows
Light smoke and haze possible
Light smoke and haze possible

Activity Meter

Legend:

  1  

- Stay Smoke Aware

  2  

- Minimize Outdoor Activity

  3  

- Stay Inside

Note: No matter what the forecast indicates, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or safely get to an area with better air quality. Please contact your healthcare provider with specific concerns.

Star Valley

Images shown are for reference only. | See Legend >

Smoke Forecast:

Sunday
Sunday Night
Monday
Smoke possible in the afternoon with outflows
Light smoke possible overnight
Light smoke possible

Activity Meter

Legend:

  1  

- Stay Smoke Aware

  2  

- Minimize Outdoor Activity

  3  

- Stay Inside

Note: No matter what the forecast indicates, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or safely get to an area with better air quality. Please contact your healthcare provider with specific concerns.

Tonto Village

Images shown are for reference only. | See Legend >

Smoke Forecast:

Sunday
Sunday Night
Monday
Light to moderate smoke possible
Moderate to brief heavy smoke possible
Light to moderate smoke possible

Activity Meter

Legend:

  1  

- Stay Smoke Aware

  2  

- Minimize Outdoor Activity

  3  

- Stay Inside

Note: No matter what the forecast indicates, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or safely get to an area with better air quality. Please contact your healthcare provider with specific concerns.

East Verde Estates

Images shown are for reference only. | See Legend >

Smoke Forecast:

Sunday
Sunday Night
Monday
Light smoke and haze
Light to moderate smoke
Light smoke and haze

Activity Meter

Legend:

  1  

- Stay Smoke Aware

  2  

- Minimize Outdoor Activity

  3  

- Stay Inside

Note: No matter what the forecast indicates, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or safely get to an area with better air quality. Please contact your healthcare provider with specific concerns.

Useful Links

West Fire InciWeb | View Page >
Preacher Fire InciWeb | View Page >
ADEQ Portable Smoke Monitors | View Page >

Fire Information Contact

Phone: 928-291-7354
Email: [email protected]

Create PDF Version of Smoke Forecast

Select the locations to display in the PDF. Note: Works best to select less than five locations.

Notice: This forecast is based on fine particulates only; ozone is not included. Forecasts may be wrong; use at own risk. Use caution as conditions can change quickly. See your health professional as needed. Smoke sensitive groups should take appropriate precautions.