UPDATE, 8-27-25: The fire is 99% contained.
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UPDATE, 8-22-25: Areas previously listed as either “Set” or “Go” have been changed to “Ready” status. These locations are: Rim Trail Estates, Washington Park, Verde Glen, Bray Creek Ranch, Shadow Rim Ranch, and Mountain Ridge. Other areas moved to “Ready” status are: Circle Ranch, Armer Ranch, Murphy Ranch, Trachta Ranch, and he Rose Creek Community. The fire is 500+ acres and 77% contained. Ensuring the containment lines and suppression repair work are a part of what the crews are doing today. They have also been able to conduct mop-up operations.
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The Washington Fire, about 11 miles north of Payson, has caused the “Go” status for Mountain Ridge Cabins, Washington Park, and Shadow Rim Ranch. “Set” mode is in effect for Bray Creek Ranch, Verde Glen, and Rim Trail Estates. “Ready” has been ordered for Camp Geronimo, Geronimo Estates, Whispering Pines, and Bonita Creek. The fire is 6% contained and 500+ acres in size. According to Officials, Yesterday, crews on the south flank worked with air operations to put in line and patrol existing lines to secure the Shadow Rim Ranch. Firefighters on the east focused on the area directly above the Highline Trail near Mountain Meadows and Washington Park, mopping up hot spots and securing lines farther into the fire edge. Crews along the west flank engaged in mop-up around Shadow Rim Ranch and Bray Creek Ranch while reinforcing tactical firing operations previously completed below Forest Service Road 300. The most active areas of the fire remained in the northwest corner in a pocket of unburned fuels near the rim edge. Structure protection teams focused on Mountain Ridge subdivision with strategic hose lays and defensive measures in place.
Today, firefighters will prioritize strengthening and securing line on multiple flanks. On the north side, they will continue patrolling and holding along FS 300, keeping the fire south of the road and monitoring for hot spots as well as clearing roadways and protecting timber resources. Crews will also continue establishing a containment line toward Bray Creek. The eastern flank remains a priority, with work being done to tie containment line into the Highline Trail and using pumps in wet drainages with support from sling-loaded fuel and water. Patrols will continue along the East Verde River corridor near residential areas, while on the southern area of the fire they will patrol established lines and utilize fuel treatment areas to plan for alternate containment lines. On the west, firefighters will continue to work lines near Bray Creek Ranch, gridding and verifying possible containment.””
