Wildfire — White Mountains, Arizona

2021-05-23 to 2021-05-31 · White Mountains, Arizona

Event narrative

The McDonald Fire burned through 3,500 acres in southern Apache County by the end of May.

Wider weather episode

The McDonald Take Fire started on May 23 and burned through 3,500 acres by the end of May 25 miles southeast of Whiteriver, Arizona. The fire was south of Tonto Lake near the Black River on the Fort Apache Indian Nation. The fuel types involved include: timber (litter and understory), brush (2 feet), tall grass (2.5 feet). The fuels were dry across all types and classes. Live fuel moistures are at critical levels and provided no suppressing effect on fire behavior.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 952196. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.