Mike Martin, a fire crew member from Globe, Ariz., overlooks the smoldering Tonto National Forest near Payson, Ariz. on Monday, Aug. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Felicia Fonseca)
The Wagon Wheel fire, which has burned over 773 acres of the Tonto National Forest just north of Payson has forced the evacuation and closure of several campgrounds and day use areas. At this writing (September 2) the fire was 50% contained, but no longer considered a threat to developed areas.
Areas affected by the fire or fire-fighting activities are closed to the public. According to the Forest Service, the closure area boundaries are:
* Forest Road (FR) 64 on the north
* FR 1170 on the west
* FR 1171 on the south to the East Verde River, then directly east along the north boundary of Freedom Acres subdivision (junction of Township 111/2 North, Range 10 East, Section 3 and Section 2)
* FR 199 on the east, including forest lands east of FR 199 including
Beaver Valley Estates on the southern boundary to the Whispering Pines subdivision on the northern boundary and the following recreation sites: Water Wheel, First Crossing, Second Crossing, Third Crossing, and Cold Spring recreation sites.
* FR 1170 on the west
* FR 1171 on the south to the East Verde River, then directly east along the north boundary of Freedom Acres subdivision (junction of Township 111/2 North, Range 10 East, Section 3 and Section 2)
* FR 199 on the east, including forest lands east of FR 199 including
Beaver Valley Estates on the southern boundary to the Whispering Pines subdivision on the northern boundary and the following recreation sites: Water Wheel, First Crossing, Second Crossing, Third Crossing, and Cold Spring recreation sites.
Residents of the Bear Valley Estates and Whispering Pines subdivision have were evacuated Sunday, but have since been allowed to return. There have been no reports of property damage in these areas. Houston Mesa Road (FR199) and the Control Road through this area are open to local residents and firefighting personnel only.
“These closures are needed to protect forest users, visitors, firefighters, structures and natural resources until firefighters are able to contain this fire,” said Tonto National Forest Deputy Fire Staff Officer Helen Graham. “Other areas of the Tonto National Forest remain open for recreation activity, including campsites and recreation sites throughout the forest and all the Salt River system lakes.”
Wagon Wheel and First, Second,and Third Crossings are all primarily day-use areas, though camping is permitted, but not recommended. They all lie within a mile of one another on Houston Mesa Road.
The fire spread quickly from its discovery on Sunday,at one point consuming 400 acres in one hour. The combined efforts of the Forest Service and Gila County fielded as many as 400 fire-fighters to battle the blaze. Gila County has declared an emergency, giving access to federal funds to help cover a fire-fighting bill rushing past one million dollars. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
Public Works Director Steve Stratton told local media that as the fire threat receded, he now worried that a heavy rainstorm might cause flooding, and “as much or more damage” than the fire.
“It could be a big mess,” he said.
“It could be a big mess,” he said.
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