Backbone Fire Smoke

 ADEQ has begun monitoring The Backbone Fire smoke plume.

ADEQ said, "There are PM-2.5 (smoke) monitors in Camp Verde, Payson, and Sedona, with additional monitors being set up today in Pine and possibly Happy Jack. This morning, light smoke and haze have been noted across the Verde Valley from this wildfire and others (Telegraph and Pinnacle) burning across the state.

Smoke later this morning into the afternoon is forecast to disperse toward the north-northeast, with light to periods of moderate smoke impacts possible in Pine, Strawberry, Happy Jack, and the Blue Ridge area this afternoon.

There is a continued chance of thunderstorms along the Mogollon Rim, which could push strong gusty outflow winds through the fire (mainly from the east of northeast) this afternoon. These winds could result in smoke moving in any direction.

Overnight, smoke is forecast to drain northwest into Camp Verde and possibly into Payson. Smoke that moves over the Mogollon Rim in the afternoon may also drain back into Pine and Strawberry overnight. Smoke is forecast to lift by 930 am Saturday morning.

Tomorrow, stronger westerly winds are in the forecast, with smoke dispersing toward the east-southeast, with light to moderate impacts once again to areas in/around Payson, Pine, Strawberry, and the rest of the Rim Country.

SOURCE: https://www.azdeq.gov/node/7077?fire=backbonefire