Single Publication

Pius Fire at 28% Containment

Daily Update July 12, 2024

Acres: 2,010

Start Date: 07/08/24

Location:  20 miles NE of Payson, AZ

Personnel: 335

Containment:   28%

Fuels: Timber

Resources:      2 Hotshot Crews, 2 IA Crews & 3 Type 2 Crews | 4 Engines | 2 Helicopters | 6 Water Tender | 

5 Dozers 

Highlights: Crews are continuing to work toward full suppression of the Pius Fire, which has reached 28% containment. Crews will take advantage of cooling temperatures and higher humidities over the coming days, while remaining aware of strong gusty winds that may be possible.

Fire Activity: Fire is creeping and smoldering in timber. No perimeter growth is expected. Fire crews and equipment will continue to reinforce the fire perimeter and are beginning mop up operations. Firefighters are staying engaged on the fire throughout two shifts that cover the extended burn period which allows for action to be taken when the conditions are right.

Weather: The fire area received thunderstorm coverage last night. Higher humidity and thunderstorms with potential for rain in and around the area are expected over the coming days. Temperatures will remain in the mid to upper 80s and gusty outflow winds are possible.

Smoke: The Pius Fire is not producing much smoke; however, residual smoke from wildfires throughout the Southwest may continue to settle in low-lying areas including the communities of Christopher Creek, Payson, Young, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, and Highway 260. For updates on smoke conditions in your local area visit www.fire.airnow.gov.

Closures/ Evacuations: The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has issued notices for evacuations in the area. For the most current evacuation information, please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management website at https://www.coconino.az.gov/. 

The public is asked to use extreme caution when driving in the area to ensure the safety of the fire crews. Check for general forest conditions and any closures by contacting the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf. 

More Information:

Fire Information: 928-216-3127                                                                    Email: 2024.pius@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs                         

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-pius-fire