Kohl's tanker blaze contained
Friday, June 23, 2006
A Wednesday fire, in which smoke could be seen across the entire Rim Country, was a reminder of how fast a wildfire can begin.

Photo Gallery: Tanker fire June 21
Friday, June 23, 2006
View photos taken shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, June 21, when a tanker truck containing a load of diesel fuel overturned on Highway 260 near Camp Tontozona igniting a fire that closed the road and burned half an acre.

Rim fire crews help with Brins
Friday, June 23, 2006
The Rim Country is doing its share to battle a fire that threatens to destroy some of the state's most pristine and scenic country.

Fire danger closes Rim
Friday, June 23, 2006
Bright yellow barrier tape this morning blocked entrances to trails and backroads, including the Control Road, a clear signal that Tonto National Forest officials have closed the Mogollon Rim area and all forest lands five to seven miles beneath it.

Fire season's message: Be prepared
Friday, June 23, 2006
Residents and businesses in the Payson area communities stepped up on their own to help the evacuees from the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in June 2002.

Earliest fire restrictions on record
Friday, February 24, 2006
Fire restrictions were imposed along the Mogollon Rim Thursday encompassing three national forests.

Helicopters attacking new fire
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The Horseshoe Fire, which was reported Wednesday morning has grown to 7 acres, but firefighters hope to have it contained sometime tomorrow.

February Fire 90 percent contained
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
With the aid of a fizzling weather front, firefighters were able to contain the February Fire burning east of Pine and north of Payson.

Photo Gallery II: February Fire
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
More photos of the February Fire. Many of these photos were taken by Roundup photographer Dennis Fendler. Also includes other staff and reader-submitted photos.

February Fire Update: Stable weather assists firefighters
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Stable weather conditions throughout the day on Sunday assisted firefighters in continued burnout operations on the February Fire. Several firefighter crews and engine crews are camped out at Camp Geronimo Boy Scout Camp and Bray Creek Ranch maintaining a protective vigil.

Unexpected diminished winds aid firefighters
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Firefighters took advantage of unexpectedly varied and diminished winds Saturday to continue burnout operations and reinforce the fire line around the February Fire.

February firefighters maintain wind watch
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Firefighters reinforced the line around the February Fire and conducted several burn-outs Friday, but "red-flag" weather changes could work against them today (Saturday).

Photo Gallery I: February Fire
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Reader-submitted and staff photos of the February Fire. This human-caused blaze started Feb. 6, 2006 and kicked off one of the earliest fire seasons on record.

Links to fire-related Web sites
Saturday, February 11, 2006
The Roundup staff will try to post updated fire information as it is made available. These links may provide additional information about the February Fire burning 10 miles north of Payson.

Firefighters worry about weekend winds
Friday, February 10, 2006
Firefighters made good progress on the February Fire Thursday, but a return of low humidity today and a "red flag" weather front moving into the area Saturday have them concerned.

Historic helicopter battles blaze
Friday, February 10, 2006
For many Vietnam-era Marines, the bureau number 156674 holds special meaning. It's the official number identifying one of the last helicopters to lift off from the U.S. Embassy during the 1975 fall and evacuation of Saigon.

Video: Sikorsky CH53D Fire Stallion helicopter assigned to February Fire
Friday, February 10, 2006
Watch video of the first civilian Sikorsky CH53D Fire Stallion helicopter taking off from the Payson Airport to battle the February Fire burning 12 miles from town limits.

Fire Update: Humidity, winds favor February Firefighters
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Although the February Fire grew to 1,500 acres, firefighters got their first break Wednesday night when an unusual burst of humidity gave them a breather.

Fire Update: February firefighters get first break
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Although the February Fire grew to 1,500 acres, firefighters got their first break Wednesday night when an unusual burst of humidity gave them a breather.

Fire Update: February Fire continues southwest advance
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
The February Fire, raging on the Tonto and Coconino forests six miles east of Pine, has grown to 1200 acres and has jumped the Highline Trail.

Fire Update: February Fire rages on
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Fire crews continue to battle the February Fire, which has consumed more than 250 acres on the Tonto and Coconino national forests six miles east of Pine and Strawberry.

Fire Update: February Fire jumps Highline Trail
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
The February Fire, raging on the Tonto and Coconino forests six miles east of Pine, has grown to 1200 acres and has jumped the Highline Trail.

February Fire burning 6 miles east of Pine
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
The February Fire, burning six miles east of Pine and 12 miles north of Payson, was more than 100 acres and growing at press time. "We are aggressively attacking this fire to limit its spread in the area," Tonto Fire Management Officer Jeff Borucki said. "This is the first serious fire on the Tonto this year, and we want to make sure it doesn't grow into a larger problem."