Rattlesnake Fire Reaches 3,200 Acres
The Rattlesnake Fire has burned about 3,200 acres about 60 miles north of Phoenix and no structures are threatened by the lightning-caused blaze, according to an official with the U.S. Forest Service.
First spotted Sunday, the fire continued to burn Tuesday on federal lands about five miles west of Bumble Bee, said Debbie Maneely with the Prescott National Forest’s public affairs office.
The Rattlesnake Fire is located on steep and rugged terrain that is difficult to access, Maneely said. With that in mind, local officials and the fire’s incident commander have chosen a strategy that's intended to maximize firefighter safety and success.
Crews on Tuesday were assessing the need for burnout operations on the east side of the blaze and preparing to, if needed, conduct them on the southwest side of the fire near Horsethief Basin, which Maneely said is home to summer cabins and a lookout.
Maneely said Monday that weather could cause the fire to grow over the next couple days. Local forecasts anticipate that light winds and warm temperatures will continue through the end of the week, but there is a chance Monsoon weather could resume on Monday.
The fire remains visible on Interstate 17 from Cordes Junction to Black Canyon City and Maneely urged motorists to keep their eyes on the road.
