Smoky, hazy sky due to New Mexico fire

According to Gary Roberts from the Payson Ranger District, the smoke and haze in the Rim Country air today (Saturday, June 29) is from the 100,000 acre plus Silver Fire on the Gila in New Mexico.

"The current weather pattern and jet stream is responsible for funneling it to us here in Rim Country," Roberts said.  "Remain vigilant and have a fire-safe weekend and Fourth of July celebration."

Tonto National Forest Public Information Officer Paige Rockett said that some lightning strikes have occurred in the Rim Country, but nothing significant.  "Overall, it's pretty quiet," she added.                                       

Roberts passed along these projected termperatures for the Valley and the Rim Country:

Phoenix

·         June 29> 116 

·         June 30> 115 

·         July 1> 112

·         July 2> 109

·         July 3> 109

·         July 4> 108

Payson

             ·         June 29> 105
             ·         June 30> 104
             ·         July 1> 103
             ·         July 2> 102
             ·         July 3> 100
             ·         July 4> 100

The following three websites are valuable sources of information for you at anytime:

·         For information about anything on the Tonto National Forest>  www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
·         For fire restrictions anywhere in Arizona and the nation>  www.firerestrictions.us
·         For information on wildfires and other disasters throughout Arizona and the nation>  www.inciweb.org