Sunflower Fire News Release
May 20, 2012 6:00 a.m.
Fire Information: (877) 208-2202 or (877) 208-4331
Website:
www.inciweb.org
Acres: 16,620 Start date: May 12, 2012
Cause: Under Investigation Location: 21 miles south of Payson
Containment: 33 percent Fuels: Grass, chaparral, pinion pine
Terrain: Steep, rugged Resources: 8 crews, 16 engines, 1 dozer, 9 water tenders
Total personnel: 462 Available air support: 6 helicopters, 6 air tankers
Summary:
The Sunflower Fire control lines near State Route 87 are no longer
noticeable
to passing motorists. Crews continued “mop up” operations yesterday,
cooling off stubborn hot spots within 100 feet of the control line.
Although
smoke has dissipated along the highway, sporadic smoke may be visible
for months in the treacherous terrain of the Mazatzal Wilderness to the
northwest of the
main fire. In that area, the fire is burning in dead trees downed by
the Basin Fire of 1995 and the Willow Fire of 2004. The old burn areas
do not provide sufficient fuel to create the extreme fire behavior
displayed at the onset of the Sunflower Fire.
Fires located in heavy fuels well within the current fire perimeter are
not cause for concern. Pockets of unburned fuel will ignite and burn
out due to lack of additional fuels in the immediate area. Fires in
heavy fuels located near control lines do need
attention.
Fire
operations in the days ahead will include patrol and mop up in areas of
minimal concern. Helicopters will continue to be available for water
drops in areas to the
north where heavy fuels continue to smolder and flare near the control
line in rugged, inaccessible terrain.
Fire
danger remains extreme. Fire restrictions remain in effect. Compliance
with these restrictions will help prevent additional fires.
Heavy
traffic is expected to continue along State Route 87 through the
weekend. Travelers on that road are cautioned to obey the speed limit
signs and be aware of emergency
vehicles moving onto and along the roadway.
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