06/18/2026
Table Mountain Fire Evening Update
June 17, 2026 at 6:55 pm
Southeast Zone IMT
Highlight: The full suppression efforts proved effective as the Table Mountain Fire containment increased to 20%.
Approximate Acres: 105
Containment: 20%
Total personnel: 133
Start Date: June 14, 2026
Cause: Believed to be lightning-caused
Location: Pima Canyon
Fuels: Juniper, Oak, Sotol, and grasses
Operations: This morning, three crews were flown into the fire area, along with a medical support team, to continue securing the fireline, extinguishing interior hot spots within the fire perimeter, and preventing fire from rolling downhill. Several helicopters supported ground crews throughout the day by transporting people, equipment, and dropping water on the fire.
Today, two new divisions were formed: a water handling group and an initial attack group. The water handling group provides potable and non-potable resources to support the firefighters working on the mountain. They also manage all the water sources including permanent and temporary dip sites. The initial attack group’s role is to prepare to respond to any possible new fire starts within the area.
An infrared (IR) flight was conducted in the afternoon that confirmed existing heat among the steep terrain and rock features.
The fire remained within its existing perimeter throughout the day.
Throughout the afternoon, thunderstorm activity moved into the area. Crews will stay on site overnight to continue the full suppression operations. The primary concern for this fire is still the possibility of roll-out from burning vegetation and steep terrain.
Tomorrow, the night shift crews will be replaced by a fresh day shift firefighters. Aviation resources will continue to be available to support ground operations.
Closures, Restrictions, and Evacuations: Rose Canyon Lake remains closed as aircraft continue to use it as a water source, but Rose Canyon Campground and surrounding trails remain open.
Weather: Tonight, isolated thunderstorms may be present near or over the fire area, with chances of rain gradually diminishing after 9pm. Gusts from 5 to 10 mph are expected throughout the evening. Relative humidities are expected to climb to around 50% overnight. A drying trend is expected over the next few days. Daily winds are expected to remain around 20 mph.
Online Fire Information Resources: on Facebook and on Inciweb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/azcnf-table-mountain
Attached map of the Table Mountain Fire area.
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Table Mountain Fire Morning Update
Southeast Zone IMT
Highlight: The Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Chad Rice, assumed command of the Table Mountain Fire on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6:00 am.
Approximate Acres: 100
Containment: 0%
Total personnel: 100+
Start Date: June 14, 2026
Cause: Believed to be lightning-caused
Location: Pima Canyon
Fuels: Juniper, Oak, Sotol, and grasses
Operations: Last night, firefighters made progress addressing hot spots and building containment lines in support of full suppression tactics. By morning, there was no visible smoke or flames. The operation today will focus on aviation support for resources on the mountain. Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs), Large Air Tankers (LATs), and Type 1, 2, and 3 helicopters are available. These assets will help deliver supplies, conduct targeted water drops, and transport firefighters. Predicated afternoon thunderstorms and gusty or erratic winds may impact air operations. Firefighters on the mountain will continue to secure the perimeter to hold the fire within the footprint and address hot spots. Sotol roll-outs remain possible throughout the day and evening as crews individually address each plant to ensure there is no residual heat or smolder sections. This is a slow and arduous task to perform on this steep, remote, and rugged terrain. An infrared (IR) flight is planned for this afternoon, if weather conditions allow, to support firefighters’ suppression efforts. The chance of inclement weather, with the possibility of the development of outflow winds, adds additional challenges to an already strategically challenging fire response as it may produce erratic fire behavior. Safety continues to be a focus as access is only available by helicopter transport.
Closures, Restrictions, and Evacuations: Rose Canyon Lake is closed, but the trails and campground remain open.
Weather: Partially sunny with a chance of thunderstorms and showers this afternoon. Gusty and erratic winds between 35-45 mph are most likely to occur between 3:00 pm and 5:00pm AZ MST near thunderstorms. Humidity will approach 20 percent throughout the day with an overnight increase of between 40-45 percent. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 90’s on the fire with an overnight temperature in the low 70’s.
