Firefighters working the Polles fire near Payson are facing extreme conditions today. The lightning-caused blaze started Friday, 11 miles west of Payson. It is currently 0% contained.
Hot temperatures and windy conditions are expected again today as firefighters work adjacent to communities in the vicinity, as well as Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. A Type I Incident Management Team says there are currently no threats to the communities of Payson and Pine-Strawberry. Crews took advantage last night of increased humidity and decreased wind to make progress on containment lines. Fire managers say the crews are “spiked out”, sleeping in the remote wilderness and having food, water and supplies flown in by helicopter daily.
