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Relocation center set up for Deer Creek area residents

By Richard Haddad, Roundup Publisher October 1996 through March 2007

Monday, July 5, 2004

Due to an unexpected change in the weather a relocation center has been set up to give Deer Creek residents a place to get out of the smoke.

Fire officials stress that this is not an evacuation, but only a center to help Deer Creek residents who need a place to stay for a few days until the smoke is more bearable. The Deer Creek subdivision is not in any imminent danger of fire and residents are not required to leave their homes.

"This is a voluntary relocation because of the heavy smoke," Jim Payne, Fire Information Officer said.

The relocation center is located at the Payson Middle School, which is located at Longhorn Road and Meadow near the Wilson Dome at Payson High School.

According to fire officials, area communities are going to experience a lot of smoke the next couple of days with the wind blowing from the west. Residents of the Deer Creek area will experience a heavier concentration of smoke.

The Relocation Center will be operated by the American Red Cross and will provide beds, food and showers. An animal care center has been set up for horses and other livestock at the Payson Rodeo grounds. The horses will be watered and fed daily. The Payson Humane Society will also be ready to accept care for the small animals. The Humane Society is located at 812 S. McLane in Payson.

Watch this website and the Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team website.