PAYSON, Ariz. — State Route 87 was damaged last week by a fire when a vehicle crashed into a tanker carrying 8,600 gallons of unleaded gasoline, according to the Town of Payson Fire Department.
The fire department said the gas being carried by the tanker ignited during the crash, causing a massive fire that quickly spread to surrounding areas.
The fire department said, "The decision was quickly made to allow the gasoline to burn off and put all efforts into controlling the vegetation fire."
The Arizona Department of Transportation announced Friday that the two northbound lanes of SR-87 had reopened. The right lane had been closed due to damage sustained from the fire.
Engines from multiple agencies, two hotshot crews, aircraft and support staff were all brought in to help contain the fire, according to the fire department.
Officials with Tonto National Forest said as of Saturday morning the fire was around 10-12 acres and 20% contained.
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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.