News Release 9/2/09
Incident: Water Wheel Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/2/2009
Water Wheel Fire
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Contact number - (928) 468-5248
Wednesday, September 02, 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: 45 percent Fuels: Ponderosa pine, manzanita, oak brush
Terrain: Steep, rugged Resources: 10 crews, 16 engines, 8 water tender, 4 dozers
Total personnel: 402 Available air support: 3 helicopters
With secure fire line around the eastern half of the Water Wheel Fire, firefighters will continue to reinforce the line and close the remaining three miles of open line on the northwest corner. Mop-up of the perimeter is continuing also with firefighters finding and extinguishing any hot spots close to the line. Rehabilitation of the completed fire line on the cold sections of the fire continues.
With the reduced fire activity, demobilization of fire resources will progress in earnest today. Crews and equipment no longer necessary to the suppression of the Water Wheel Fire are being released to return to their home units or respond to other fire assignments.
The fire area remains closed to the public. Public access in the area is restricted to the roadways and private property. Houston Mesa road between Beaver Valley and Whispering Pines remains closed. Whispering Pines is only accessible by the Control Road. Please exercise caution driving in the area.
For maps, photos or more information visit http://www.inciweb.org/. Additional information is available on the Gila County Emergency Management Hotline at 1-800-304-4452, ext. 8888.
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