Crews Getting Grip on Pack Rat Fire
Pending wind shift, evacuation unlikely
08/27/2002
Aerial assaults are allowing firefighters battling the Pack Rat fire burning outside of Payson, to gain the upper hand.
As of Tuesday night, the wildfire burning in the Tonto and Coconino national forests is about 30 percent contained. Winds blowing against the fire seemed to aid firefighters' efforts.
Fire spokesman Jim Payne said pending a shift in winds, residents in five small communities in the area should not have to leave their homes.
However, firefighters are still warning residents who live in the communities of Washington Park, Rim Trail Estates, Verde Glen, Whispering Pines and Cowan Ranch to prepare for evacuation.
The more than 1,200-acre wildfire is about 1-1/2 miles away from these communities.
In all, residents who occupy about 200 lots east of the Pine-Strawberry area are affected.
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According to Payne, the fire is moving north and slightly to the east, while the communities are located southeast of the fire.
The Pack Rat fire was started by lightning on Aug. 16. Firefighters thought they had it contained, but the blaze jumped fire lines before they could contain it.
Crews are now building a dozer line west of Washington Park.
Another wildfire -- the Trick Fire -- is burning in the Kaibab Naional Forest about 20 miles soutest of Williams in Tule Canyon.
The fire, which has charred 3,800 acres thus far, is about 30 percent contained.
The Trick fire was started by lightning a week ago and no structures or homes are threatened.