By Jon Johnson
MOUNT GRAHAM – The quick ground response and aerial support have kept the Jacobson Fire on Mount Graham limited to 7.3 acres with no growth overnight.
The fire was first reported at approximately 9:35 p.m. on Monday in the rocky terrain of Jacob Canyon, located in the Turkey Flat area.
Air tankers made retardant drops, and helicopters dropped water from buckets to help stop the spread and create a perimeter. That perimeter remained unchanged throughout the day and night on Tuesday, with no additional growth.
Currently, there are roughly 207 personnel fighting the fire, with helicopters now assisting ground crews by bringing in “blivets”, which are large, portable water containers. The blivets are being used to deliver water to the remote area, as additional bucket drops from helicopters may spread the fire by allowing burning debris to break free of the canopy and roll downhill, potentially spreading the fire further.
With the blivets, firefighters can attach hoses and extinguish any fire and heat along the perimeter.
Firefighters also established a fire line around the cabins at Turkey Flat to continue protecting the structure.
Ground crews continue to focus their attention on the hot spots within the fire’s perimeter as they battle treacherous conditions. One firefighter reportedly suffered a head laceration from a rock and had to hike about an hour out of the terrain before receiving additional medical attention.
Due to the Jacobson Fire, the Forest Service requests the public avoid the following areas until further notice: Turkey Flat Trail #330, Ladybug Trail #329, Ladybug Trailhead, Angle Orchard Trailhead, and the Turkey Flat Dispersed Camping Area.
A Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing the fire. The area also remains under Temporary Flight Restrictions.
