Pius Fire Update
Tuesday, July 09, 2024
Location of Origin: 20 miles NE of Payson AZ
Size: 1,300 acres
Start Date: July 8, 2024
Percent Contained: 0
Cause: Undetermined
Fuels: Ponderosa Pine/Mixed Conifer
Personnel: 76
Resources Assigned: 1 Initial Attack Crew, 4 Helicopters, 4 Engines, 5 Dozers, 1 Water Tender
The Pius fire is located on the Black Mesa Ranger District, and is located southeast of the CC Cragin Reservoir, southwest of Wiggins Crossing, and north of Bear Canyon Lake. The fire is currently managed under a Type 3 Incident Command structure with a full suppression strategy. The Complex Incident Management Team, Team 1, led by Incident Commander Carl Schwope will assume command of the Pius fire at 6 a.m. on July 10, 2024.
Operations: Firefighters continue to construct fire line and conduct back firing operations where necessary. Aerial resources are being utilized today over the fire with helicopter support of ground operations.
Evacuations: The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has issued a ‘SET’ notice for the immediate area around Knoll Lake and campground. A ‘GO’ notice has been issued to evacuate immediately for people in and around Bear Canyon Lake including the areas north of Forest Road (FR)300, east of FR115, south of FR225, and west of FR34. To find out more about current evacuations visit the Coconino County Emergency Management website.
Smoke: Smoke is expected to impact the communities of Christopher Creek, Payson, Young, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, and Highway 260. All areas within proximity of the fire can be impacted by smoke, depending on wind directions and ventilation. Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community.
Values at Risk: KV Powerlines are located roughly 3.5 miles southeast of the fire and supplies power to the Phoenix Metropolitan area. There are private inholdings in proximity to the fire location. Recreation areas along the Rim Lakes are located roughly 5 miles south of the fire location.
Weather: Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue tomorrow with an expected high of 90 degrees and northwest at 10-15mph.
Media Contact: Steven Johnson
Fire Information: 928-245-1585
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-pius-fire
SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov