The Skeleton Fire was reported on the afternoon of Aug. 3 on the Joes Hill area east of the Agua Fria canyon in the Agua Fria National Monument. The fire started by lighting in a remote area with limited access. Variable gusty winds from passing thunderstorms drove the fire throughout the weekend. The fire has burned through high desert brush and grass and has expanded to 20,963 acres. It was most active to the east and has burned into the Tonto National Forest.
Structures: No structures damaged. No active threats to area communities. Moderate threat to historic administration site.
Fire details:
Start Date: August 3, 2024
Location: About 11 miles north-northeast of Black Canyon City
Cause: Lightning/Natural
Containment: 0%
Fire Size: 20,963 acres
Fuels: Grass/brush
Fire Crews/Resources: One Type 1 crew; five Type 6 engines; three helicopters; two water tenders.
Total Personnel: 93
Jurisdiction: Hassayampa Field Office, Bureau of Land Management