May 16th, 2007
Fire season is here! The Ponderosa fire started on May 12, near the Ponderosa Campground in Payson.
According to Payson District Ranger Ed Armenta, there was some initial concern "about containing the spread of this fire due to increasingly windy conditions and the spotting taking place on the north side of Hwy. 260." On the bright side, officials expected 100% containment by noon Monday.
Another fire was spotted on May 13 "near Promontory Fire Lookout about 3 miles north of the community of Christopher Creek and about 3 miles south of Bear Canyon Lake." at around 4:05 pm.
"High winds whipped the fire in all directions and pushed it over the Rim where the terrain is very steep." Smoke was very heavy and firefighters were concerned about the steep terrain steep alongside the Mogollon Rim. According to recently obtained information, there is a large Arizona Public Service power line about 3 miles north of the fire. There are four campgrounds and numerous dispersed campsites in the general vicinity and all campers were asked to leave the area.
Forest Road 300 is closed to recreational traffic. The campgrounds at Woods Canyon and Bear Canyon lakes are closed until further notice. Questions about road closures and restrictions should be directed to the Gila County Sheriff's Office at 928-425-4449.
Rising gas prices have consumers watching their wallets and reconsidering destinations closer to home. If you fall into that category and need some relaxation, toss those cares aside, even if only for a weekend and head for the Roosevelt Lake recreation area, less than 2 hours from Phoenix.
The next issue hits the streets on June 6. Until then care. . . take care. back...
According to Payson District Ranger Ed Armenta, there was some initial concern "about containing the spread of this fire due to increasingly windy conditions and the spotting taking place on the north side of Hwy. 260." On the bright side, officials expected 100% containment by noon Monday.
Another fire was spotted on May 13 "near Promontory Fire Lookout about 3 miles north of the community of Christopher Creek and about 3 miles south of Bear Canyon Lake." at around 4:05 pm.
"High winds whipped the fire in all directions and pushed it over the Rim where the terrain is very steep." Smoke was very heavy and firefighters were concerned about the steep terrain steep alongside the Mogollon Rim. According to recently obtained information, there is a large Arizona Public Service power line about 3 miles north of the fire. There are four campgrounds and numerous dispersed campsites in the general vicinity and all campers were asked to leave the area.
Forest Road 300 is closed to recreational traffic. The campgrounds at Woods Canyon and Bear Canyon lakes are closed until further notice. Questions about road closures and restrictions should be directed to the Gila County Sheriff's Office at 928-425-4449.
Rising gas prices have consumers watching their wallets and reconsidering destinations closer to home. If you fall into that category and need some relaxation, toss those cares aside, even if only for a weekend and head for the Roosevelt Lake recreation area, less than 2 hours from Phoenix.
The next issue hits the streets on June 6. Until then care. . . take care. back...
