Wildfire — New River Mesa, Arizona

2020-09-25 to 2020-09-29 · New River Mesa, Arizona

Event narrative

Very dry and hot conditions supported the spread of the Sears wildfire through Tonto National Forest lands northeast of Carefree. Conditions remained hot and dry through the duration of the burn. The fire began around 2 PM MST on the 25th near Sears Kay Ranch along Forest Road. The Sears fire became mostly under control on the 29th after burning roughly 14,476 acres. Four residences, ten outbuildings/sheds, and several vehicles were destroyed by the blaze. No injuries were reported. Full containment of the fire was estimated around October 15th at 12 AM with the latest available report on the incident.

Wider weather episode

Very dry and hot conditions helped the spread of the Sears Fire through Tonto National Forest lands northeast of Carefree. Conditions remained hot and dry through the duration of the burn. The fire began in the afternoon of the 25th near Sears Kay Ranch along Forest Road and burned 14,476 acres by the 30th. Multiple structures and several vehicles were destroyed by the blaze. No injuries were reported. Full containment of the fire was estimated around October 15th at 12 AM in the latest report on the incident.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 922115. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.