Payson

Yesterday ground resources continued to work the fire’s edge and completed contingency work around local communities. Due to the fire’s remote location in the wilderness and spotty vegetation in the area, crews haven’t been able to dig fireline and burn out from containment features like roads or trails.  Instead, they have been checking thousands of individual hotspots to ensure fuels along the fire’s perimeter are cold. “We are now reporting the fire as 61% contained, meaning we feel confident the fire will no longer grow in these areas.” said Incident Commander John Pierson.

Facing extreme conditions firefighters on the Polles Fire west of Payson continue to make marked progress toward containment. A total of 6 hotshot crews are directly engaged on the fire within the wilderness area, supported by airtankers and helicopters during the day, while other firefighters have been working adjacent to the communities and the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, scouting vegetation conditions and enhancing established fuel breaks and roads that could help protect homes and slow fire spread should there be a shift in fire behavior on the fire, to be used only if needed.

The area’s extremely dry conditions and the potential for extreme fire behavior have warranted the decision to bring in the support of a Type 1 Incident Management Team. Logistical support required to support the firefighters working in terrain only accessible by helicopter also increased the complexity of the incident. The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team #2, lead by Incident Commander John Pierson, has taken command of the Polles Fire effective 6:00 a.m.

Firefighters are actively fighting a lightning caused wildfire burning within the remote Mazatzal Wilderness, approximately 11 miles west of Payson, Ariz. The fire started as the result of a passing isolated thunderstorms on Friday, July 3. The fire is in rough and rugged terrain that is only accessible by helicopter. Hotshot crews have been flown in by helicopter and suppression efforts have been supported by airtankers delivering fire retardant and helicopters dousing the flames.

State Route 87 has reopened in both directions between Payson and the Valley after an extended closure prompted by the Bush Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

One northbound lane of SR 87 remains closed between mileposts 223 and 236, near the junction with State Route 188, for use by firefighters and for repairs. Please budget extra time and drive with patience. 

SR 188 also has reopened, as has State Route 88 between Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake. The long-term closure of SR 88 from east of Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake remains in effect. 

The communities 76 Ranch, Gisela, Rye, Deer Creek and Bar T Bar Ranch were placed in “Set” status.  Jake’s Corner remains in ‘Set’ status on the Ready, Set, Go evacuation model.

Residents of Sunflower have been told to evacuate and are now in “go” status, and visitors and residents at Apache Lake were asked to leave the area Tuesday afternoon.  Residents of Jakes Corner remain in “set” Status.

Residents of Sunflower have been told to evacuate and are now in “go” status.  Residents of Jakes Corner remain in “set” Status.

Over the weekend, State Route 87 was closed for a couple of hours south of Payson when a brush fire caused by a person broke out along the roadway. While the exact cause isn’t known yet, the 5.5-acre Oak Fire demonstrates why motorists should secure tow chains, properly inflate tires, check brakes and take other steps to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire. 

Just one spark can cause all kinds of problems.

In addition to putting lives and property at risk, fires that spread quickly in dry brush can lead to highway closures and inconvenience for motorists. 

Fire specialists plan to burn 58 acres of vegetative piles Feb. 13-14 in the Washington Park area north of Payson.

Residents and visitors to the area can expect to see and smell light-to-moderate amounts of smoke during the two-day prescribed fire. Smoke will impact the Washington Park area during the day. In the evening, smoke will impact the Rim Trail, Verde Glen, Shadow Rim Girl Scout Ranch, Washington Park sub-division, and Beaver Valley communities.