Photo Courtesy San Carlos Apache Forest Resources Program: The Toyo Fire is burning southeast of Peridot and was listed at 1,711 acres as of Monday morning.
Listed at 0% containment
By Jon Johnson
PERIDOT – The Toyo Fire only grew 43 acres on Sunday from its reported size on Saturday to be listed at a total of 1,711 acres burned as of Monday morning.
According to the San Carlos Apache Resources Forestry Program, air and ground resources working in the area were the reason for the fire’s slow progression. Air tankers dropped retardant, and tankers and air attack from the Safford Regional Airport 1LT Duane Spalsbury Field were on site assisting, according to Airport Manager Cameron Atkins.
The Toyo Fire was initially reported Friday evening in Peridot. Hotshot crews from Globe, Mesa, and Payson were quickly assigned. The fire was reportedly human-caused.
On Saturday, Highway 70 was closed between Bylas and Peridot at about 3:30 p.m. due to the fire. The highway was reopened Sunday at about noon.
The Toyo Fire spread to the south of Peridot and straddled Coolidge Dam Road. It then headed eastward, assisted by high winds and dry grasses.
A Southwest Complex Incident Management Team (formerly called Type 1 Southwest Area Incident Management Team) assumed command from a Type 3 Command Team on Monday, according to the San Carlos Apache Resources Forestry Program.
While the highway is open, smoke may still impact the roadway.
