Poco Fire at 3,100 acres fueled by hot, dry winds

Smoke from Poco Fire may be heavy during night and early

 morning hours

YOUNG, Ariz. – Continued hot, dry, windy weather and extremely dry fuels challenged firefighters on the Poco Fire today. It is estimated at 3,100 acres and 15 percent contained.

During the most active part of the day, the fire spread to the north into the 2011 Bluff Fire. In addition, it spread west onto Round Mountain and Naegelin Rim. Aircraft were used in the afternoon to slow fire growth and assist firefighters on the ground.

If the fire continues to move to the east, crews are prepared for suppression actions along APS powerlines. Crews will continue strengthening fireline north and east of the fire and mopping up the southern edge along FR 512.  Providing for firefighter and public safety remains the top priority.

Resources on the fire include ten Hotshot crews, four 20-person crews, 12 engines, two dozers, six water tenders, four helicopters, for a total of 490 people.

Smoke may be heavy during the night and early morning hours and people with respiratory problems may want to take precautions.  Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is coordinating with the Incident Management Team to monitor smoke impacts in outlying areas.

The public is invited to take a tour of the Poco Fire Incident Command Post June 17, 2012 from 1:00 p.m.  until  3:00 p.m., located at the Young Elementary School.  Look for CHECK-IN by the school office.

Poco Fire information is posted at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2911.

For more information regarding forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-2500, or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto.