Wildfire — White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties, Arizona

2021-06-16 to 2021-06-28 · White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties, Arizona

Event narrative

The lightning caused Bear Fire started June 16 in the White Mountains in Greenlee County. Thunderstorm outflow wind gusts in excess of 40 mph caused the wildfire to grow to more than 2000 acres on June 20 and resulted in the closure of Highway 191. Rapid fire growth occurred during the next week due to several additional days of gusty thunderstorm outflow winds with 23,480 acres consumed by June 28. Increased humidity inhibited rapid growth thereafter, and during this time of less active fire management, the final total reached 24,067 acres by July 8, when Highway 191 was reopened. Fire suppression costs tallied $200,000.

Wider weather episode

The lightning caused Bear Fire started June 16 in the White Mountains in Greenlee County. Thunderstorm outflow wind gusts in excess of 40 mph caused the wildfire to grow to more than 2000 acres on June 20 and resulted in the closure of Highway 191. Rapid fire growth occurred during the next week due to several additional days of gusty thunderstorm outflow winds with 23,480 acres consumed by June 28. Increased humidity inhibited rapid growth thereafter, and during this time of less active fire management the final total reached 24,067 acres by July 8, when Highway 191 was reopened. Fire suppression costs tallied $200,000.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 967375. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.