The Surveyor Fire is the newest blaze burning around the Sedona area. Discovered Saturday, July 28, the lightning-caused fire is burning approximately 3.5 miles south of Oak Creek Canyon Vista, south of Flagstaff on state Route 89A.

The current size as of Wednesday, Aug. 1, is 7 acres and expected to increase. 

Approximately 30 firefighters are assigned, which includes helicopter resources.

Predicted smoke impacts: Light to moderate smoke is expected to move east and increasing if burnout operations are used. Expect smoke to be near Interstate 17 by the Willard Springs Rd exit approximately milepost 327. Smoke may settle in Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.

The fire is burning northeast of the Butterfly Garden Inn, which is in Oak Creek Canyon, but away from structures and the highway. The terrain makes it difficult to put crews on the line.

The fire was believed to be contained Saturday and spread outside the fire line Tuesday afternoon. The fire is burning in heavy forest debris. Firefighters are using ground crews to make fire lines across the top of the fire and ignitions to existing road systems for a containment area.

The blaze is located at Lat/Long: 34.979611, -111.740389

The three other fires in the region include the Platypus Fire, the Rhinoceros Fire and the Bristow Fire.

Platypus Fire

The Platypus Fire is a lightning caused fire discovered July 28, 2018.

Location: Approximately 4 miles northwest of Sedona in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness more than 6 miles from the nearest trailhead. (Lat/Long: 34.94291, -111.8701)

Current size: 9 acres. Fire modeling indicates the fire is unlikely to grow large in size or pose a significant risk to communities or natural resources.

Resources: Lookouts and aircraft periodically monitor the fire as it’s needed because of the inaccessible to firefighters over the steep and rocky terrain.

Predicted smoke impacts: Smoke is visible from Sedona and the Verde Valley.

Current closures: None.

Recent and current operations: This fire is being monitored because it is in an extremely rugged area of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness at the edge of sheer cliffs. Any firefighter working in the area would be placed at significant risk, particularly if an injury required rapid transportation for medical care. Any suppression actions will only be taken if the fire spreads into areas of concern.

Rhinoceros Fire

The same information about the Platypus Fire applies to the Rhinoceros Fire two miles to the north. This fire is being monitored because it is in an extremely rugged area of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness at the edge of sheer cliffs.

Fire modeling indicates the fire is unlikely to grow large in size or pose a significant risk to communities or natural resources.

Any firefighter working in the area would be placed at significant risk, particularly if an injury required rapid transportation for medical care.

Any suppression actions will only be taken if the fire spreads into areas of concern.

Bristow Fire

The 684-acre Bristow Fire is a lightning caused fire 5.5 miles southeast of Munds Park and 1.5 miles east of mile post 317 on Interstate 17 discovered on July 20 at 5 p.m..
This fire received soaking rains yesterday and firing operations are not expected to resume until next week.
Resources assigned are three engines who are preparing for operations after fuels dry.