The date of origin was Thursday, June 26, with it being reported about noon. The cause is unknown, although the point of origin in the national forest is an unimproved area commonly used by campers about 16 or 17 miles east of Show Low.

As of 3:30 today, Friday, June 27, the fire has grown to 1,500 to 2,000 acres. It started southeast of the small community of Vernon, which is about halfway between Springerville and Show Low, Arizona.

The Whiting Homestead and Red Canyon Ranch were mandatorily evacuated. Structures are threatened. 

The fire is moving northeastward into the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, in an area between the Wallow and Rodeo fire burnout areas, as well as into previously treated areas.

A Type 2 Management Team will transition into command of the fire, as of this evening about 8 p.m.