Sunflower fire triples in size

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

The Sunflower fire.

Sunflower fire Payson Arizona

The Sunflower Fire.

SUMMIT COUNTY — Firefighters in Arizona reported “extreme” fire behavior in the rapidly growing Sunflower Fire, which tripled in size, to more than 12,000 acres in the past 24 hours.

Working beneath towering smoke plumes in steep canyons and rocky hillsides, abut 400 firefighters managed to achieve about 7 percent containment on the fire that’s been burning near Payson since May 12.

Most firefighting efforts will be focused on containing any new starts in the vicinity of the fire and establishing fire lines along forest roads and a powerline corridor in the area.

Winds are expected to shift to the north, potentially leading to growth of the fire in new areas. Temps Wednesday once again are forecast to be in the 90s, with relative humidity in single digits.

The fire is burning in grass, chaparral, pinyon pine and heavy Arizona cypress trees in the southwest corner and firefighters say the potential for growth is extreme.

Also in Arizona, the 1,900 Bull Flat Fire continues to burn in a remote area within the Chediski Fire scar.

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Sunflower Fire in Arizona grows to 4,600 acres

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Hot, windy conditions fuel growth of backcountry blaze

Sunflower fire map, Arizona wildfire

The Sunflower Fire, near Payson, Arizona, has grown to more than 4,500 acres.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Increasing southwest winds and continued hot and dry weather will present challenging conditions for firefighters trying to contain the Sunflower Fire in Arizona, which grew to 4.600 acres and is only 5 percent contained. The fire is located about 20 miles south of Payson, near Sunflower.

The fire is burning in grass, chaparral, pinyon pine, heavy Arizona cypress trees and has been running in some areas, with spotting reported from the perimeter. Winds have been gusting around 10 to 20 mph and temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-90s, with relative humidity readings in the single digits.

Fire managers said that, due to the rugged terrain, the fire may burn for a long time, with potential smoke impacts to local communities. Several power lines are threatened by the flames, and the potential for growth is extreme, according to the latest update on Inciweb.org.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. More than 250 firefighters are working to contain the blaze.

 

Filed under: forest fires, forests | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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