Evacuations Ordered as Wildfire Spreads Near Payson, Arizona
A wildfire ignited by lightning has prompted urgent evacuations in Gila County, with the blaze located approximately 11 miles north of Payson. The fire, known as the Washington Fire, has expanded to 550 acres and continues to threaten nearby communities.
On Sunday morning, emergency management officials issued a “Go” evacuation order for the Mountain Ridge, Washington Park, and Shadow Rim Ranch areas. The fire, burning in the challenging terrain of the Mogollon Rim, was first reported on Wednesday and remains only 6% contained.
Meanwhile, Bray Creek Ranch, Verde Glen, and Rim Trail Estates have been placed in “Set” pre-evacuation status, while Camp Geronimo, Geronimo Estates, Whispering Pines, and Bonita Creek are under “Ready” mode advisories.
The Tonto National Forest has enacted a temporary closure of the area around the fire and continues to enforce stage 2 fire restrictions. The wildfire’s activity is being exacerbated by high temperatures and low humidity, conditions that are expected to persist and potentially worsen the situation.
Efforts to combat the fire include helicopter crews and almost 500 personnel assigned to both day and night shifts. They are diligently working to fortify containment lines and execute firing operations to manage the fire’s spread.
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