The Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) along with the Tonto National Forest remain in unified command on the Brady Fire and today placed an order for a Type 1 Incident Management Team due to the fire’s complexity and values at risk. The Brady Fire, north of Payson continues to remain active aided by hot, dry, and windy conditions. The fire is active on all sides and is pushing to the north and east and has moved on top of the Mogollon Rim. Aircraft flew the fire this morning as part of aerial reconnaissance and mapped the fire at 285 acres.
Today, crews scouted for possible control features along the east and west sides of the fire to be used as part of suppression efforts. Crews are also identifying and assessing possible structures threatened along with values at risk, including watersheds. They are working to keep the fire south of the 300 Road, north of the Control Road which is north of Whispering Pines, east of Webber Creek and west of Washington Park. The fire has stayed very active since it started, driven by terrain and wind as it burns through Ponderosa pine, Pinyon Juniper, and grass and brush within very steep and rugged terrain. On Sunday the fire was spotting and running and access in some areas has been difficult for crews. Weather continues to pose a challenge for firefighters with lingering hot and dry conditions along with potential outflow winds associated with monsoonal buildup to the north and northwest of the fire area. Approximately 122 personnel are assigned to the fire, including engine and hand crews, plus two helicopters, one dozer and a water tender. More resources are on order. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
At this time, SET is in place for two scout camps within the Tonto National Forest; Camp Geronimo and Shadow Ridge Camps. Any additional SET or GO notifications will come from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office. Residents should stay alert and be prepared by having a ‘go bag’ ready with items like important documents, credit cards, photos, prescriptions, snacks and water, and IDs. The fire started Sunday, August 6, 2023, around 2 pm and approximately 11 miles north of Payson near the Mogollon Rim in Gila County. Crews off the Payson Ranger District and DFFM resources engaged immediately with initial attack. At the time of the initial start, the fire was producing two columns and was pushing to the north and east. Fire officials are working closely with the neighboring Coconino National Forest with possible closure orders going into effect in the fire area within the Coconino and Tonto National Forests.
Additional information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza4s-brady-fire
For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]