Rim Country Gazette

Sunflower Fire News Release

May 22, 2012 6:00 a.m.

(Gazette Blog Editor's observation: Despite the Roundup's front page histrionics, the Sunflower Fire is pretty much in the can and has been for days.  Kudos to the firefighters for another nice job of containment.  Those of use who were here when the Willow Fire came within a couple of miles of Payson (neither the Roundup publisher, editor, photographer nor its news reporters were) have a little better perspective.  The Sunflower never came close to being a threat to the Rim Country - in large part thanks to the Willow.  But when you're desperate to sell newspapers...)  

Acres:  16,115                                     

Start date:  May 12, 2012

Cause:  Under Investigation               

Location:  21 miles south of Payson

Containment: 43 percent                     

Fuels:  Grass, chaparral, pinion pine

Terrain:  Steep, rugged                        

Resources:  3 crews, 9 engines, 1 dozer, 2 water tenders

Total personnel: 259                            

Available air support:  6 helicopters, 6 air tankers

Summary:

Fire activity is minimal on the Sunflower Fire but smoke may be visible for some time as downed trees from previous fires smolder and burn in the remote, rugged terrain of the Mazatzal Wilderness. 

Fire personnel continue to monitor control lines, complete mop-up 200-feet into the interior and implement other actions as needed.  Traffic will increase as resources are downsized and personnel and equipment are demobilized from the fire camp at Ft. McDowell along State Route 87. Travelers on that road are cautioned to stay alert, obey speed limit signs and be aware of emergency vehicles moving onto and along the roadway.

Management of the fire will be transferred from the Arizona Central West Zone Incident Management Team to an Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team at 6:00 PM today.  

Sunflower Fire Update

May 21, 2012 6:00 p.m.

Acres:  16,115                                     

Start date:  May 12, 2012

Cause:  Under Investigation               

Location:  21 miles south of Payson

Containment: 43 percent                     

Fuels:  Grass, chaparral, pinion pine

Terrain:  Steep, rugged                        

Resources:  3 crews, 9 engines, 1 dozer, 2 water tenders

Total personnel: 264                            

Available air support:  3 helicopters, 6 air tankers

Summary:

Crews monitored fire behavior, secured existing containment lines, patrolled, and mopped up hot spots.  Minimal fire activity was observed in both northern and southern sections along the fire perimeter.  Smoke continues to linger in canyons to the north, predominately in Deer Creek Canyon.  Demobilization of the team continued today.