A wildfire that sparked 10 days ago on July 17 in the Coronado National Forest in Arizona has destroyed approximately 8,200 acres of land and has forced into place an official closure of the area surrounding the fire for safety purposes, according to officials.

The most recent update from InciWeb, posted on Thursday evening, outlines the particulars of the fire as well as a plan of attack in terms of staving off future growth and includes information on closures related to the fire, amongst other facts and figures.

The wildfire was sparked by lightning on Tuesday, June 17 at approximately 3:45 p.m. and as it continues to spread, destroying much of the nearby area, firefighters are admittedly having a difficult time gaining control of it. As of Thursday evening June 26 the fire was still only five percent contained.

This fire is located in the vicinity of the Galiuro Mountains in eastern Arizona. Specifically, it is burning in the Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest in the general vicinity of China Peak.

Earlier this week Jim Upchurch, the Forest Supervisor of the Coronado National Forest, officially put into place a temporary closure order of the areas near the blaze reportedly in order to protect the public's health and safety due to "extreme fire danger."

This restricted area (seen in the map below) begins at Bottle Canyon and runs to Power's Hill, includes Rattlesnake Creek, south and east to Holdout Spring as well as along the East Divide Trail and Paddy's River to the Forest boundary.

As the fire continues its progression it is being managed by fire and forest personnel for multiple objectives "to benefit natural resources." It is being managed for multiple objectives within a specifically defined planning area that lies mostly within the Galiuros wilderness.

This planning area includes Rattlesnake Canyon on the west and southwest sides as well as High Creek on the southeast side with the Forest boundary on the north and east sides.

According to officials the fire is expected to continue to grow to the south and west in the Rattlesnake Creek, Corral Canyon and Paddy's River areas. It is expected to remain active until a "monsoonal weather pattern" eventually settles into the area.

Fire experts at InciWeb say they expect active fire behavior at least through Saturday with increased winds, low relative humidity and a Haines Index of 5-Moderate.

According to InciWeb, "Haines Index is used to indicate the potential for rapid fire growth due to dry and unstable atmospheric conditions near the fire area."

"Measured in a scale of 2-6 a high Haines Index is correlated with large fire growth where winds don't dominate fire behavior."

In terms of attempting to battle the blaze, the Oak Fire is being managed within a planning area boundary using strategy and tactics necessary to minimize impacts to sensitive areas and "values" at risk while maximizing benefits to natural resources.

Among the resources being utilized in the firefighting efforts are the Wildland Fire Module (a skilled eight-person hand crew), seven fire engines, six hotshot crews, four BLM crews and one helicopter.

The official stated objectives by fire personnel for the foreseeable future are as follows: to provide for firefighter and public safety; to improve wildlife habitat, including wildlife forage; fuel reduction to reduce future fire danger; to improve rangeland conditions; to improve watershed conditions; to maximize overall forest health; and lastly to contain the fire within the National Forest boundary.

Officials announced on Thursday a "news media tour" with regards to the fire, which is scheduled for Friday, June 27 at 12:00 p.m. According to a news release issued Thursday, an informational tour regarding the Oak Fire will be held at Aspen Vista Point.

News media inquiries will be taken by Safford District Ranger Kent Ellett. Those interested in attending the media tour are asked to RSVP by 10:00 a.m. on Friday and reporters who wish to speak with District Ranger Ellett are asked to call (928) 428-4150 to schedule an appointment.

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