Fire Information: Phone: (928) 218-4240 daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Email: 2025.whitesage@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona and https://www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasd-white-sage-fire
| 9% contained | 58,559 acres | 703 personnel | 15 miles southeast of Fredonia, AZ | Burning in brush, timber, & grass | No structures lost | Cause: lightning |
Highlights
The White Sage Fire is now mapped at 58,559 acres, an increase of 6,637 acres due to improved mapping. The updated acreage accounts for previously undetected burned areas in the northern part of the fire, where light fuels and low heat signatures made early detection difficult. Containment has increased to 9%, with progress made along the south side of the fire, from the west side of Highway 89A to Road 422A. Today, crews will work to extend containment lines east of Highway 89A and along the northern edge of the fire’s western finger near Road 422A.
The southeast corner of the fire received precipitation yesterday. As a result, fire activity in that area is limited, with most material smoldering and few visible flames. Firefighters will continue burnout operations today along the northeast, east, and southeast perimeters of the fire. These operations involve burning unburned vegetation between control lines and the main fire to eliminate potential fuel and strengthen containment lines. On the south and southwest sides, crews will continue mop-up operations, which include extinguishing smoldering material, trenching logs, and removing hazards to prevent further spread. On the northwest perimeter, crews will engage in direct attack, a strategy that targets active fire edges directly rather than building lines at a distance.
Fire suppression efforts are being supported by both ground and aerial resources. Five helicopters are currently in operation, and a Heliwell, an 18,000-gallon portable water tank, is being used to support helicopter bucket drops. This setup increases efficiency by allowing aircraft to use water closer to active fire areas.
To reduce fatigue and sustain progress, some firefighting crews on the north and south flanks will begin transitioning from swing shifts to night operations starting tonight. This change helps maintain momentum on containment while improving safety for personnel working in rugged conditions. Along Highway 89A, crews are performing chipping, hazard tree removal, and road repair work to restore safe travel conditions. The highway remains closed for now, and there is no estimated reopening date at this time.
Fire Weather
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Friday, bringing breezy afternoon and early evening winds. Thunderstorm activity may produce gusty, erratic winds exceeding 50 mph, as well as dangerous lightning, rapidly shifting wind directions, and periods of heavy rainfall. These stronger storms pose a heightened risk of flash flooding, especially in steep terrain and areas recently burned by the fire.
Evacuations: Local emergency management officials are coordinating closely with fire managers. Evacuation information is being updated regularly by Coconino County. Residents and the public are urged to stay informed by visiting: Coconino County Evacuation Map
