Polle Fire

[Nighthiker]

As of 7/4 540 acres and located on Polle Mesa about 7 miles west of Payson. Lot of cultural resources on the Mesa, lightning caused on 7/3. Several helicopters operating out of the Payson airport.

[Hansenaz]

@Nighthiker
I believe that's Polles Mesa...AZ trail crosses the east side.

[Nighthiker]

8 helicopters at the Payson, airport this morning, three wildland crew transport which two of the helicopters were ferrying and a third crew the helitack crew assigned to the airport. Also observed the big tanker flying over the fire area and I noted three passes over the fire area. No smoke visible from the Payson Airport (Birch Mesa Airport). This helicopter is taking a crew to the fire, this is the helitack helicopter.

These two were staged at the airport.

This is one of two Hueys being used

[Jim]

I could see the smoke plume from down here in the valley yesterday. Any ideas on how the smoke situation is up along the rim, today? In case one of was considering going up there to hike tomorrow?

[nonot]

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6825/

Being naturally caused and not threatening any structures, I imagine they will let this one go on for awhile. I would suspect that all trailheads in the Mazzies along East Verde will be closed if they haven't already to avoid interference with firefighters.

[Sredfield]

Things are looking better on this. The satellite fire detection website https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/#/%3F/EditLaye ... 11.5292/15 shows only one hit within the last 12 hours. Cool temps and higher humidity should bode well for the work on-site tonight.

I'll be much relieved if they get this one stopped. ATA will be building new trail this fall/next spring to cut off the up-and-back north to Twin Buttes Road and back south to East Tank and the fire could easily have gone all the way to Pine and maybe worse. The new route will cross Rock Creek and wander up Alder Ridge and rejoin at East Tank. While it would be easier building without having to cut brush for the 6+ miles, the fire would have sure messed with the view.

[Nighthiker]

Almost 4k acres, lot of resources at the airport being flown in.

[Sredfield]

@Nighthiker

That's scary, where do you see 4000 acres? The FS reports show <600.

[nonot]

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.

[rwstorm]

@nonot
These guys did a good job during the first phase of the Bighorn Fire.

[chumley]

@rwstorm
Is this sarcasm? Or did it transition to another team before the "second phase" of the Bighorn Fire?

[rwstorm]

@chumley
Not sarcasm. I guess I should have stated that this crew took over from whoever was initially working it, but not long after it started. They were the first type 1 team on it. These guys do incredibly tough work in sometimes insane conditions, so I have utmost respect for them. I really like the communication options and transparency in play these days on events such as this. This is the most dangerous time of the year battling these fires, and ultimately they need the help of Mother Nature (aka rain/humidity) for success many times.

[DixieFlyer]

@Jim_H
I was hiking in Flag today, and I took Lake Mary Rd/Highway 87 back to the Valley late this afternoon. I did not notice any smoke at all.

[Nighthiker]

Inciweb tonight now list 560 acres.

[chumley]

@Nighthiker
which further begs the question where the 4k post came from earlier today.

[chumley]

A helicopter has crashed fighting this fire.
https://www.paysonroundup.com/news/fore ... 75c05.html

[DixieFlyer]

which further begs the question where the 4k post came from earlier today.

probably from facebook