5/31/16 5:00 PM
PIVOT ROCK FIRE OVERVIEW
Start Date: May 19, 2016.
Cause: Lightning.
Location: About three miles northeast of the junction of State Routes 260 and 87; eight miles northeast of Strawberry.
Current Size: Approximately 3,708 acres.
Resources: 1-Type 1 crew, 2-Type 3 engines, 6-Type 6 engines, 1-dozer, 1-Water Tender, and various firefighting individuals, totaling 90 personnel.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from SR 260 and 87 as well as the communities of Payson, Pine, Strawberry, the Verde Valley and Happy Jack. Over the weekend, an unexpected wind shift reversed the smoke direction, which impacted the Verde Valley, Cornville and Cottonwood.
Light winds are expected out of the northwest in the afternoon at 10 mph and currently the smoke is dispersing throughout the I-17 corridor, Munds Park, and Sedona areas this morning. At night, light smoke from the Pivot Rock Fire is expected to settle into low areas and nearby canyons, including the I-17 corridor, Munds Park, and Sedona, Toms Creek, Clover Canyon, Pivot Rock Canyon and into West Clear Creek.
Closures: The closure area for this fire is north of the intersections of SR 260 and 87 and can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/hl978x5. The closure boundary will be expanded from FR 149 to 144, west of SR 260, south to SR 87, and north to FR 149 to cover planned operations. Motorists in the area of the fire are encouraged to slow down, as firefighters and equipment will be working in the area.
Recent & Current Operations: Burnout operations occurred along Forest Road 142 along the complete northern portion of the fire during the weekend. The burnout operations will continue today along the western portion of the fire and Forest Road 149 near Duncan Canyon. These firing operations are to protect important sensitive wildlife, culture significant sights and other values which may be at risk.