June 13, 2012 News Release
Incident: 257 Fire Wildfire
Released: 6/13/2012
257 Fire News Release
June 12, 2012 5:00 p.m.
Fire Information: (928) 595-2093 or (928) 245-5051
Website: http://www.inciweb.org/
Acres: 2,640 Start date: June 10, 2012
Cause: Under Investigation Location: 3 miles south of Superior
Containment: 40 percent Fuels: Brush, Manzanita, Oak
Terrain: Steep, rugged Resources: 7 crews, 12 engines, 2 dozers, 3 water tenders
Total personnel: 330 Available air support: 4 helicopters, 3 air tankers
Summary: Firefighters working the 257 Fire in the Globe Ranger District on the Tonto National Forest were able to use one of the larger new tools in the box today. Weather and terrain being favorable to its effective utilization, the DC-10 very large air tanker flew several missions to the 257 Fire, dropping retardant to assist in the containment effort. Following the drops, firefighters began a direct attack upon the fire, working in proximity to the flames, improving lines laid down by the tanker. Use of this VLAT provided many positive safety opportunities by reducing risk due to fewer missions and reducing exposure of firefighters to extreme fire behavior conditions and hazardous firing conditions. Additionally, use of the air tanker reduced the threat to a nearby high voltage transmission line, avoiding potential brown-outs in the Tucson area if the lines were de-energized due to potential arcing with smoke from the fire.
Threats: The power line east of the fire will remain a concern as firefighters continue to strengthen containment lines established today. Exploratory drilling operations (associated with Resolution Copper pre-feasibility study) remain suspended. There are no evacuations at this time. High daytime temperatures remain a concern for firefighter safety and potential for heat related illnesses exists.
Traffic: Many emergency vehicles and others associated with fire suppression efforts are moving along U.S. Highway 60 between Superior and Top of the World. For the safety of all involved, the public is asked to be alert to this added traffic and use extra caution when driving through Superior and Top of the World.
Smoke: Smoke from the 257 Fire remains a concern in the surrounding communities. For smoke information, air quality forecasts, and to view information from the monitor, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/fire.html.
·End·
