The Rafael Fire Is Now 89-Percent Contained

The Rafael Fire is now 89-percent contained and has burned nearly 79-thousand acres, with over 400 personnel still working on the fire. No smoke was detected on any air quality monitors again Wednesday morning. Wednesday hand crews, with the aid of bucket drops from helicopters, worked in the Mooney Canyon area on a hot spot. Crews continued mop up, patrol and suppression repair activities. Firefighters around the fire are prepared to take suppression action on any new ignitions resulting from lightning strikes. Crews will continue to patrol and mop up around the fire to secure the perimeter. Chipping of woody debris will continue along several portions of the perimeter, and an excavator will be engaged in suppression repair in the area around the Loy Ranch. The process of demobilizing crews and equipment will continue. There are no longer any communities or areas under “GO” evacuation status. Sycamore Canyon has gone from “Set” to “Ready.” However, all areas within the Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests remain closed to entry, regardless of evacuation status. No structures were damaged or lost during the Rafael Fire.