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The following is a Highline Fire news release provided by the Type 1 Team that has assumed management of the fire.
La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates Evacuated Due to Forecasted Downslope Winds Tonight
Highline Fire - June 15, 2017 Evening Update
Acres: 4,258 acres based on infrared data Start Date: June 10, 2017
Cause: Unknown, under investigation Origin: 8 mi N of Payson in 1990 Dude Fire Scar
Containment: 35%
Fuels: Grass, brush, heavy and down, Ponderosa pine
Total personnel: 1,069 and mixed conifer
The communities of La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates, in the Ellison Creek drainage north of the Control Road, have been evacuated due to forecasted strong down-slope winds between 3 and 6 AM Friday morning.
For the safety of the residence of these two subdivisions, the Gila County Sheriff, in consultation with the Incident Management Team, has evacuated the two subdivisions before nightfall to avoid a potential evacuation in the pre-dawn hours. The fire remains
approximately one mile upslope of La Cienega this evening. The Bonita Creek subdivision remains in pre-cautionary pre-evacuation status and residents should be prepared as conditions can change rapidly.
Residents in the evacuated communities should not wait to be contacted by authorities before leaving. Early evacuation of the area ensures your safety and helps firefighters keep roads clear for firefighting equipment.
Sign Up for Gila County’s Emergency Alerts at
http://www.readygila.com. This is the best way for the county to reach you with updates.
Once residents leave, they will not be allowed in until the area is deemed safe. Law enforcement officers will be patrolling the closed area to provide security 24/7.
A Red Cross Shelter is located at the Payson High School, 301 S. McLane Rd, Payson, AZ 85541.
Large animals may be taken to the Payson Multi-event Center, 1400 S Beeline Highway, Payson, AZ.
Today the fire continued to burn east into Ellison Canyon. Firefighters successfully held the fire below the Rim escarpment today. Early morning winds push the fire south over the Highline Trail in Ellison Creek. Crews were able to put line around
the fire that sloped over the trail. The construction of contingency dozer line below the Highline Trail in Ellison Creek progressed east as an additional measure of protection for La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates. On the fire’s west flank crews made
progress in securing line in Dry Dude Creek where they plan to cut-off the fire’s westward movement.
Tonight firefighters are prepared to hold the fire north of the Highline Trail as downslope winds are forecast. Structure protection crews are pre-positioned in the La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates to defend structures. Crews will work to maintain
the progress made today in keeping the fire above the Highline Trail in both Dry Dude Creek and Ellision Creek. Above the Rim crews will patrol for potential spot fires and continue to improve line along the 300 Road. Crews will monitor and patrol what was
the Bear Fire burned area and is now part of the Highline Fire.
Tonight stronger downslope winds are forecast for Ellison and Dry Dude Creek drainages after midnight.
Downslope winds may push the fire toward the Highline Trail and increased nighttime fire activity is possible challenging the established lines. While temperatures will cool, forest fuels will remain critically dry into the morning when winds are expected
to peak at up to 20 mph.
A Highline Fire Community Meeting will be held tomorrow,
June 16, at 7pm at the LDS church in Christopher Creek (546 W Ashby Apple Dr, Payson, AZ 85541).
American Sign Language (ASL) services will be provided and the meeting will be livestreamed on
Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/HighlineFireInfo/ . You do not need a Facebook account to view the recording available on Facebook following the meeting; however you can only view the meeting Live if you’re logged in.
Today the Tonto National Forest expanded its closure order. Coconino and Tonto National Forests Closure Orders and Fire Restrictions are now in effect.
Firefighters are working to protect values at risk where they can safely do so. Values include watersheds, private property and adjoining communities, pipelines, range improvements, powerlines, air quality,
federally protected species, and nationally and regionally trail systems.
Fire Information: (928) 985-0097 and (928) 362-2916 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Media Line: 928-793-1955
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5233/
Arizona Fire Information: http://azein.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighlineFireInfo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/highlinefire This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. To manage your subscription visit http://www.fs.fed.us/news/subscription.shtml |
Attachment:
Final_2017-06-15 Highline Fire PM Update.pdf
Description: Final_2017-06-15 Highline Fire PM Update.pdf
