PAYSON, Ariz. — Fire crews are currently fighting the Pius Fire, burning 20 miles northeast of Payson since July 8.
People in and around Bear Canyon Lake and Knoll Lake, including areas north of FS 300, east of FS 115, south of FS 225, and west of FS 34 have been ordered to evacuate, according to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.
The cause of the Pius Fire is currently unknown.
Head to 12news.com/wildfires to get the latest information on all the fires burning around Arizona.
The full evacuation list, evacuation center information and up-to-date road closures can be found below:
Latest fire updates:
- The Pius fire is expected to continue moving south and southeast
- Smoke from the Pius Fire is visible from space
- Smoke is expected to impact Christohper Creek, Payson, Young, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, and Highway 260
- Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue Tuesday with only a slight chance of showers
"Fire behavior exhibited extreme intensity today and was actively running, crowning to the tops of trees, and spotting ahead of the main fire," officials said on InciWeb.
How many acres has it burned?
The Pius Fire has burned 1,300 acres and is 0% contained as of July 9, fire officials said.
Are there any evacuations?
The following communities are under the "GO" order and have been asked to evacuate:
- People in and around Bear Canyon Lake and Knoll Lake
- Areas north of FS 300, east of FS 115, south of FS 225, and west of FS 34
The following communities are under the "SET" order and have been asked to prepare for possible evacuation:
There are no communities under SET orders
The following communities are under the "READY" order and have been asked to be aware of nearby fire danger:
There are no communities under READY orders
Go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network website to learn how the READY, SET, GO evacuation system works.
What roads or highways have been closed?
Officials have not closed any roadways due to the fire.
Are there any shelters available for residents who may be evacuated?
Officials have not released information on shelters.
This is a developing story.
Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
Matches in a waterproof container
Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
Those in Arizona who have been affected by a wildfire or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.
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