(Posted on May 3, 2012 at 2:52 p.m.)  The Telegraph Fire is burning 3 miles south of Picket Post Mountain near Superior.  The fire size is estimated at 208 acres, access to the area is difficult.

There is not an estimated containment percentage available at his time; however crews made good progress on securing the fire line last night and today.

Fire crews will continue work on securing the fire line this afternoon. One single engine air tanker and helicopter are on standby at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to respond as needed.

The three heavy air tankers were released from this incident but will remain stationed at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for the time being.

Fire activity was minimal this morning, but it’s expected to increase this afternoon with rising temperatures.

Fire Facts:

Incident Commander: Everett Phillips  

Date started: 1348 hrs., May 2, 2012

Number of personnel: 50

Location: Telegraph Mountain, 2 miles south of Picketpost Mountain

Resources committed:

• 2 Hotshot crews (Payson and Globe Hotshots)
• 2 Engines
• Miscellaneous fire personnel

Aircraft:

·         1 Air attack plane

·         1 Single engine air tanker 

·         1 Helicopter

Properties threatened: None at this time

Cause: Under investigation

Terrain:  Difficult

Fuel: Desert grass and brush

Injuries to date: 0

Additional Information

For more information regarding forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto           

For general information on fire activity and restrictions in Arizona call toll free 877-864-6985, or visit the. Southwest Coordination Center website:  http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php

(Source:  Tonto National Forest)