Picture Incident
Tonto National Forest
June 2003

For Immediate Release For Information Contact: 928-479-3164
June 24, 2003 8:30 am

Picture Fire Information

Containment of the Picture Fire, located north of Roosevelt Lake in the Tonto National Forest, was estimated at 60% as of 7:00 p.m. Monday. Despite heat, high winds and rugged terrain, firefighters made steady progress on the north and east sides of the fire. Some spotting occurred outside the line, but the spot fires were quickly contained.

With the current weather conditions, spotting and flareups are common occurrences. Crews constructed dozer line along the northern perimeter to the Buzzard Roost Ranch and conducted burnout operations along the eastern flank, tying the fire line into Lacy Canyon. Meanwhile, mop up operations continue on the Picture's western flank.

Red Flag conditions are expected to continue today through mid-afternoon, with winds of 20 to 22 mph, warm temperatures and low relative humidity. Increased fire behavior with spotting is possible. The chance of the Picture Fire reaching the community of Young is very remote and an emergency contingency plan is in place.

The fire is estimated to be 12,286 acres. Acreage increases are due to burnout operations to secure indirect line. Currently, 998 people are involved in the suppression effort. Resources assigned to the fire include 28 crews, 9 helicopters, 3 air tankers, 14 engines, 8 dozers and 7 water tenders. To date, no structures have been lost, and with practiced safety measures by everyone involved there have been no serious injuries.

Recreational sites, boating sites and roads in the Roosevelt Lake area remain open, however the Cholla Campground is closed to the public as it is being used for fire operations. Please respect all fire restrictions that are in place. Extreme fire danger conditions are present throughout Tonto National Forest. As always, we appreciate your cooperation and patience.

For more information, contact the Picture Fire Information Center at 928-479-3164, the center hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Visit the Forest Service website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire

###