Wildfire — Northern Gila County, Arizona

2009-05-30 to 2009-05-31 · Northern Gila County, Arizona

Event narrative

The lightning cause Pioneer fire burned over 1,300 acres on the eastern side of the Pinal Mountains about 8 miles south of Globe. Total suppression cost was three million dollars.

Wider weather episode

The lightning caused Pioneer Fire started on May 30 near Globe Arizona and burned through ponderosa pine, manzanita, and oak brush vegetation in steep, rough terrain. The fire threatened multi-million dollar communication towers in the Pinal Mountains. Fire fighting efforts prevented the fire from crossing Pioneer Canyon below the communication towers. The fire was at least 45 % contained by June 13th at around 1,300 acres with little additional spread.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 175363. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.