The Poco Fire burning in northern Arizona is threatening power lines to central and southern Arizona. The growing fire, burning near Young, is posing a threat to power lines that provide energy to the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.
In an effort to protect the power lines, firefighters are constructing and reinforcing firelines east of the fire.
The fire is now 3,700 acres and containment remains at 15%. There are 704 personnel on scene consisting of 11 hotshot crews, six twenty-person crews, 24 engines, four bull dozers, 14 water tenders, and four helicopters. Crews are here from Arizona, California, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Montana.
Dr. Wade Kartchner, Director of Navajo County Public Health Services District, has been monitoring air quality in Navajo County due to smoke in the area resulting from the fire. With an anticipated shift in wind direction, heavy smoke will blanket much of northeastern Arizona over the next few days.
The high winds have made firefighting efforts difficult. Helicopters and air tankers were used to assist Forest Road 512 remains closed between FR 291 and FR 200 (Chamberlin Trail). In addition, a portion of the ranger district is closed east of FR 200, south of FR 291 and north of FR 512.
For more information regarding forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at 602 225-5200, or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto.