Tanner Fire 20 percent contained at 5,500 acres

Sept. 27, 2011 - Pleasant Valley Ranger District fire specialists are managing the lightning-caused Tanner wildfire, which began on August 20 near the peak of Armer Mountain in the Sierra Anchas. The size of the fire is about 5,500 acres, and it is 20 percent contained, with the fire spreading today mainly to the northeast.

The fire reached the Arizona Elks Youth Camp last night, but on-duty crews protected it by conducting burn-out operations between the fire and the creek to prevent the fire’s spread.

The smoke is visible in the Tonto Basin, Globe, Young, and Payson areas, or when traveling Hwy. 87 between Payson and the Valley, as well as from the northeast Valley.

Crews worked on securing a portion of the southern section and the northwestern section, concentrating on securing the Workman Creek area and the Elks Youth Camp area.

Crews will work through the night to maintain today’s progress. Burn-out operations are planned for tomorrow to secure Workman Creek.

Closures: Hwy. 288 is closed from Reynolds Creek south to the A-Cross Road. Crews are also focused on mopping-up operations here so the road can be re-opened. For further information about the road closure, please contact the Gila County Sheriff’s Office: 928-474-2208, or go to www.az511.gov.

For information, call the Pleasant Valley Ranger District offices at 928-462-4300, or stay updated at www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto. To report a wildland fire, the fire emergency number is 866-746-6516, or dial 9-1-1.