News Release 9/1
Incident: Water Wheel Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/1/2009
Water Wheel Fire
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Contact number - (928) 468-5248
Tuesday, September 01, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (928) 468-5249
Acres: 773 Start date: August 30, 2009
Cause: Under Investigation Location: 13 miles northeast of Payson, AZ
Containment: 20 percent Fuels: Ponderosa pine, manzanita, oak brush
Terrain: Steep, rugged Resources: 10 crews, 18 engines, 3 water tender, 4 dozers
Total personnel: 450 Available air support: 3 helicopters, 2 air tankers
Taking advantage of the increased humidity and the low fire intensity yesterday, firefighters completed fire line around the south and east flanks of the Water Wheel Fire. Additionally, they established line on the northeast corner of the fire. Today's actions will include the continued containment of the fire, mop-up of the perimeter, and the rehabilitation of those areas disturbed by the fire suppression efforts.
With the reduced risk to the Beaver Valley subdivision, the evacuation order for that area was lifted and residents returned to their homes last night. The evacuation warnings for Geronimo Estates, Rim Trail, Verde Glen, Cowan Ranch, Washington Park and Knoell Ranch were also lifted.
Firefighters are working today to build and improve the line on the north side of the fire. Residents of the Whispering Pines subdivision will be permitted to return to their homes at 5:00 p.m. this evening. Access to and egress from that community will only be allowed by way of the Control Road. The Houston Mesa Road between Beaver Valley and Whispering Pines will remain closed due to the presence of rolling debris and hazard trees overhanging the road. Also, guard rails, power lines and phone lines along the road need replacement.
The fire area remains closed to the public. Public access in the area is restricted to the roadways and private property.
The evacuation center maintained throughout this incident by the Red Cross at the Payson High School will be closed at 5:00 p.m. today.
·Please note the change of contact numbers above. These are to be used for all public and media calls concerning the Water Wheel Fire.
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