FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Nov. 6, 2023 — Firefighters continue to work on containing the Maid Fire on Apache Maid mountain just southeast of Interstate 17’s Stoneman Lake exit.
By using a drone, firefighters were able to accurately map the perimeter of the wildfire, which is currently 543 acres and 0% contained, though containment numbers should increase in the next couple of days.
Firefighters also used a drone yesterday to conduct burnout operations in steep and difficult terrain on the west side of the mountain, while hand ignitions were conducted on the southern side, using a forest road as a control feature.
Crews plan on focusing their efforts today on the west and southwest sides of Apache Maid mountain, connecting burnout operations from forest roads to the fire itself to increase control. Weather and wind will be a determining factor as to whether they are able to continue burnout operations and how much they are able to accomplish today.
Smoke is predicted to move in a northeast direction and will be heavy today if burnout operations continue. Aside from weather and wind conditions, rough, rocky, and steep terrain create challenges for on-the-ground suppression efforts.
Resources on scene include four crews, two engines, a dozer, one helicopter and a medic team, equating to 81 personnel. This wildfire is very visible to surrounding areas such as Camp Verde, Sedona and Rimrock, as well as those driving along Interstate 17 between the mileposts of 285-310.
The human-caused wildfire was first reported at 5:11 a.m. on November 4 by a member of the public, and the specific cause is under investigation. Details about the wildfire will be updated daily on the 2023 Maid Fire Inciweb site online.