HikeArizona.COM

Yesterday afternoon, June 10th a fire was reported on the Tonto NF at 3:15 pm in Hells Canyon, northwest of Payson and Bonita Creek Estates, due to strong winds the fire moved up onto the Rim last evening just east of the Bear Fire on Forest Road 300. The fire is approximately 700-1000 acres. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, it is burning in grass, brush, timber, and heavy dead and down fuels. A Type I team has been ordered and will assume management of the fire at 6:00 pm this evening. The portion of the fire that is on top of the rim currently has several resources on it, 5 engines, 1 dozer, Crew 9, and several patrol units. More resources are on order. The strategy is to keep the fire north of the Highline Trail and south of Forest Road 300. A closure order will be going into effect in the near future. The estimated closure area runs from the Coconino NF and Apache-Sitgreaves boundary, west along Forest Road 300 to Forest Road 95 to the north, Forest Road 96 to the east and along Forest Road 137B to the forest boundary. This area includes Knoll Lake. Fire personnel are working to evacuate recreationists within the entire closure area. As more information becomes available I will let you know.