Update at 7:29 p.m. MDT June 21, 2021
The latest satellite overflight Monday at 2:12 p.m. MDT showed that the Backbone Fire had spread approximately a half mile along portions of the north and northeast sides during the previous 12 hours. There are reports that later in the afternoon fire activity increased.
We expect to have more detailed information including an updated map Tuesday morning.
To see all articles on Wildfire Today about the Backbone Fire, including the most recent, click HERE.
Updated at 1:38 p.m. MDT June 21, 2021
The Backbone Fire two miles west of Strawberry, Arizona has burned 32,757 acres as of Sunday night. It is about 7 miles southeast of the suburbs southeast of Camp Verde.
Sunday and Sunday night firefighters continued to monitor the progression of the Backbone Fire on both the western and eastern flanks and prepared containment features to support Monday’s operations. Firefighters and heavy equipment will reinforce firelines south and west of Strawberry and Pine, and are preparing for future burnout operations as necessary to strengthen the firelines and protect the communities. Air tankers and helicopters will focus on keeping the fire from moving into Deadman Mesa and Hardscrabble Canyon.
Another day of extreme fire behavior is expected on Monday with growth to the north and east.
Weather
Extreme temperatures will continue Monday with single digit humidity. Scattered dry thunderstorms may develop to the north and west in the afternoon and linger into the evening. Afternoon southwest winds will increase with gusts of 20 – 25 mph.
Evacuations
Evacuation orders were issued for the communities of Pine and Strawberry. Residents and visitors should contact their county or visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go for further information.
Closures
State Route 260 is closed between Camp Verde and State Route 87 and State Route 87 is closed north of Payson to Clint’s Week. Motorists are advised to visit https://www.az511.com for current road closures.
3:33 p.m. MDT June 20, 2021
The Backbone Fire 8 miles southeast of Camp Verde, Arizona has prompted the evacuation of two communities with a combined population of about 2,700 residents, Strawberry and Pine. Early Sunday morning the fire was 2 miles west of Strawberry. (More information about the evacuations.)
On Saturday large quantities of aerial retardant were used to slow the spread of the fire to east toward Strawberry and Pine and to keep it out of the big drainage to the south, Hardscrabble Canyon.
Today firefighters and heavy equipment will construct and reinforce control lines south and west of Strawberry and Pine and prepare for future burnout operations as necessary to strengthen protection for the communities. Some of the control lines will be “plumbed” with fire hose to be used during the burning. Helicopters and air tankers will help firefighters keep the fire from moving into Deadman Mesa and Hardscrabble Canyon.
Sunday at 1:22 p.m. MST the temperature in Pine was 95° under clear skies with 16 percent relative humidity and winds out of the south-southwest at 11 mph gusting to 22. The temperature is predicted to reach 99°. The forecast for Monday and Tuesday is for similar conditions.
The hot, dry, windy weather combined with drought and low moisture in vegetation have led to an expectation of another day of extreme fire behavior on Sunday with growth to the north and east.
State Route 260 is closed between Camp Verde and State Route 87. Motorists are advised to visit AZ511 for current road closures.
Looking at the Backbone Fire from atop Squaw Peak, Camp Verde, AZ. very windy 15-20mph winds going east. #BackboneFire @FOX10Phoenix @abc15 pic.twitter.com/jCV5Sunbyr
— Stephen Schwartz (@l3orecl) June 20, 2021
Is Cliff Castle in danger of the fire?
Things are looking better on highway 260 n clear creek I dont see know more smoke I smell wet soot I’m praying the fires out in the campverde area of clear creek rv park were I live an family an friends in the verde lakes estates an campverde area. It’s scary to see smoke even worse to see it at night. Thank you all the forest service department the firefighters an air squad for keeping us safe 130pm june 23,2021
What do people mthink about the possibility of the fires being started by lava coming up from cracks in the earth?
Just want to tell the firefighters a BIG THANK YOU!! for all you are doing to fight all the fires you are fighting, especially the Backbone Fire at Strawberry and Pine. YOU ARE BEING PRAYED FOR TO THE ONE AND ONLY GOD OF CREATION. God bless you and keep you safe!
I have to Agee with Pat, my son who fights fire everywhere in country. My sons crew is out of Bend, Oregon. It’s a brother and sister hood. Always in prayers. Mark from Houston.
Amen as we set an see all this fires burning within Arizona were we all liven we are very thankful for the forest service department 4 calling to let us know we are safe an to all the fire fighters an engine squads , air squad, an all you are all heros thank you for protecting us. Be safe to all.
I wish the Governor would shut down our state until further notice.
…shut down lightning strikes?
They told a local rancher I talked to an hour ago that there’re going to drag this fire up to Hwy 260.