The Backbone Fire in Fossil Creek Canyon grew to 17,126 acres, forcing the evacuation of both Pine and Strawberry.
On Saturday afternoon two Very Large Air Tankers (VLAT), three Large Air Tankers (LAT), and two Super Scoopers were utilized and effective in reducing the fire’s growth to the north and east allowing time to prepare a control protection line for the protection of Strawberry and Pine. Extreme heat and low humidity are expected through Sunday causing extreme fire conditions. Firefighters continue to scout for containment locations on the east side of the Verde River north to State Route 260; south along State Route 260 from FS Road 500 towards State Route 87 near the communities of Strawberry and Pine for possible future burnout operations.
Extreme fire conditions and unpredictable winds mean the fire still poses a threat to both communities, whose residents are following the progress of the fire from the homes of family and friends and evacuation shelters in Payson.
Firefighters had zero containment on Saturday.