Forest Resource Program and Fire Management responded to a human-caused fire, named the Salt Fire, in the community of Bylas on the San Carlos Apache Reservation on April 8. The  fire threatened homes, residents were evacuated for a short time and electricity was lost for a short period. The wind-driven fire traveled fast along the Gila River from the Rodeo Grounds in Bylas. The head of the fire was pushed eastward along the river off the reservation towards the community of Ft. Thomas.

The Salt Fire is at 49.25 percent containement as of print time on April 12. The interior of the burned area continues to emit smoke and will continue for a couple more days. The Type 3 Team, Central West Zone in their safe operations of fighting this fire had great success. Transition to local Type 4 team was planned for Tuesday, April 13. Local resources will continue to secure the fire’s edge and proceed with some interior mop-up.

The burned area of the fire is still off limits to the public. The interior of the fire could have hot spots and consists of hazard trees and stump holes (areas of white ash of hollow holes stored with heat where trees used to exist), causing dangerous conditions for anyone entering the burned area.

The smoke in the area will be a hindrance to the Gila Valley communities; Bylas, Ft. Thomas, Pima and surrounding community.