Flying V Fire: The latest on the wildfire north of Globe

By Greg Hahne, Lindsey C. Riley
Published: Thursday, July 6, 2023 - 1:52pm
Updated: Thursday, July 13, 2023 - 2:12pm

BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management - Fort Apache Agency
Helicopter over road with smoke blowing away in the background.

July 12: Fire 73% contained

The Flying V Fire has burned 831 acres and is now 73% contained, according to officials. The modified closure of the U.S. 60 continues.

July 10: Closure of the U.S. 60 north of Globe modified

The closure of the U.S. 60 north of Globe has been modified.

From 6 a.m. until 9 p.m., the highway will be reduced to one lane with traffic following a pilot car for a 3-mile stretch between mile markers 300-303.

That is expected to last through at least Wednesday.

The closure is from the Flying V Fire, which is about 830 acres and 17% contained with some active areas.

The White Mountain Apache Tribe has issued an executive order banning campfires at lakes, streams, and within the community with no yard burning  either. 

July 8: U.S. 60 is still closed north of Globe

U.S. 60 is still closed north of Globe as crews work to contain the Flying V Fire, which has burned more than 800 acres. The fire remains 0 percent contained.

It’s fueled by grass and pinyon-juniper, and is threatening riparian, grazing and recreation areas.

Officials say suppression efforts have been successful so far. 

The closure is between mileposts 256 and 311 until further notice.

July 7, 2023: Fire remained uncontained Friday

A more than 50-mile stretch of the U.S. 60 is still closed in both directions north of Globe due to the Flying V Fire. 

There is no estimated time for the highway between mileposts 256 and 311 to reopen.

The fire has grown to 830 acres since it sparked on Wednesday. 

As of Friday morning, there was 0 percent containment on the blaze, which  continues to burn through grass and Pinyon Juniper.

The area reportedly includes lands important to the White Mountain Apache people with crews working to protect watersheds, riparian areas and heritage sites

No structures are threatened, but smoke could reach the Cibecue, White River, Carrizo, Cedar Creek and White Mountain communities. The Incident Management Team is warning people in those areas  to take precautionary measures.

July 6, 2023: Fire closes nearly 60 miles of U.S. 60 north of Globe

The U.S. 60 is closed in both directions north of Globe due to a wildfire that has scorched more than 700 acres.

The closure is between Milepost 256 and 311 with no estimated time to reopen.

The Flying V Fire is one of a handful of wildfires burning along the 60, though most have been under an acre and are contained. 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs says the Flying V Fire is a reminder for motorists to maintain vehicles and trailers.

Wildfires