The Payson Roundup / Bear Fire burns near Bear Flat

Archive for Thursday, June 2, 2005

June 2, 2005

While it appeared that the Payson Ranger District escaped the Memorial Day weekend without a single fire, that turned out not to be the case, according to Gary Roberts, district fire prevention officer.

The Bear Fire, located about a quarter-mile beyond Forest Service Road 405 and 405A toward Bear Flat and Thompson Draw, reached three-quarters of an acre before it was subdued by firefighters.

The fire, discovered Tuesday, was caused by an abandoned campfire.

"It appears there was no attempt made whatsoever to put it out," Roberts said.

Campfires are still allowed in the Payson Ranger District, but restrictions are expected to be imposed in the next week or so.