Scout camps on alert as Brady Fire burns north of Payson

PAYSON, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- Two private campsites near Payson have been asked to prepare for possible evacuations as a fast-moving wildfire burns out of control.

The Brady Fire started around 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, about 11 miles north of Payson near the Mogollon Rim in Gila County. According to the Arizona State Forestry, Camp Geronimo and Shadow Rim Camp were placed on “SET” status early Monday morning. The Arizona State Department of Forestry on Monday estimated that the fire has burned approximately 285 acres as the blaze remains active on all sides and has reportedly pushed onto the Mogollon Rim.

As hot and dry conditions are expected throughout Monday, coupled with chances for strong winds and monsoon storms.

The #BradyFire stayed active throughout the night on all sides & has pushed to the top of the Mogollon Rim. It is estimated at 300 acres & is located approx. 11 miles north of Payson in Gila County.

Add'l info: https://t.co/Qkyfmo0n8m #AZFire #AZForestry @TontoForest pic.twitter.com/KoXMWgnF5w
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) August 7, 2023

“A Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) task force arrived on the fire last night to assist with suppression effort,” state officials wrote in the Monday morning report. The crew consists of five engines, a water tender (tanker), and a specialized piece of equipment that helps draft water from nearby water streams. Additional hand crews were ordered Monday morning as well and are expected to arrive soon.

A type 1 Incident Management Team has been assigned to the fire and should arrive by Tuesday to take over command, according to officials at the Southwest Coordination Center.

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