See Which Trails Are Closed

Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 12:27 PM
Subject: Local trails remain closed due to Rim fire, Tonto National Forest, Payson, Ariz.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Gary Roberts, Fire Prevention Officer
928-595-1248

Local trails remain closed due to Rim fire, Tonto National Forest, Payson, Ariz.

Summary: The lightning-caused Rim fire, on the Payson Ranger District east of Washington Park, 13 miles NE of Payson, Ariz., began on July 20. The fire is being managed under a modified suppression strategy due to concerns about steep topography and firefighter safety. Fire managers are using existing roads, trails, and topgraphic features to contain the fire. Recent rains have moderated fire intensity, creating burning conditions which will achieve resource benefit objectives.

Current: Yesterday, the fire made moderate runs through dead and down timber and brush and displayed creeping behavior. Spotting was observed across small drainages. Crews finished prep work on the northeast corner of the fire and on the southeast corner. Fire personnel also continued firing operations along Forest Road 300 to the west. Prep work along Highline Trail (Trail 31) and on the west flank of Railroad Tunnel Trail (Trail 390) was also completed. Firefighters also established a short control line in Dude Creek to prevent the fire from hooking. Today, fire crews will patrol and monitor along the Highline Trail, continue prep work along the Railroad Tunnel Trail, and will conduct burnouts if needed. Firefighters will also continue to conduct burnouts along Forest Road 300 to the west.

Closures: The area encompassed by the following trail boundaries (including the trails themselves) is closed to support firefighting operations and provide for public safety until further notice: On the west side, from the top of Rim Trail 290 (Col. Devin Trail) and Trail 390 (Railroad Tunnel Trail) down to the Washington Park Trailhead. Closures on the south side are from Trail 31 (Highline Trail) at the Washington Park Trailhead east to Trail 30 (Myrtle Trail). Closures on the east side are Trail 30 (Myrtle Trail) from the top of the Rim south to the intersection of Trail 31 (Highline Trail).

Smoke Advisory: Moderate to heavy smoke will tend to move in a northeasterly direction during the day. Diurnal air flow in the evening hours will move smoke into the communities of Washington Park, Verde Glen, Rim Trail, and Whispering Pines. Forest Road 300 and Control Road 64 remain open, but residents and visitors to the area are advised of limited visibility on these roads due to smoke from the Rim Fire. Smoke will be visible against the Mogollon Rim for an undetermined length of time, but most smoke should abate within about three days.

Fire Name: Rim
Time/Date Started: 7/20/2009, 6 pm

Location: First sighted burning at the head of upper Dude Creek, the fire is slowly backing down very steep, rugged, and dangerous drainages toward the Highline Trail. It is east of Washington Park, approximately 13 miles NE of Payson, AZ
Acres: 1200 acres
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Ponderosa Pine, heavy dead and down trees, brush, and grass
Resources committed: 158 personnel
3 Hotshot crews
2 Type 2 crews
5 engines
1 Helicopter
1 air attack plane
Containment: 20%
Expected containment: Aug. 15

For updated information, please contact the Payson Ranger District office: 928-474-7900.