PHOTOS: A December chimney fire in Pine showcased the interdependence of Rim Country fire departments. The event was highlighted in the Jan. 14 town manager report.
When the Pine-Strawberry Fire Department called for help with the Dec. 30 fire, both Payson and Water Wheel Fire Departments responded with four engines, four water tenders, two chief officers and 20 firefighters, as part of a mutual aid compact called the Rim Country Automatic Aid system.
The fire had fully engulfed the home by the time first responders arrived. Without enough officers, the fire could have jumped to other homes. This incident had enough firefighters. Only the one house burned.
The Rim Country Automatic Aid system “is a step beyond mutual aid,” wrote Payson’s Fire Chief David Staub.
If needed, 21 firefighters can staff eight fire engines and seven water tenders along with a command staff to address any emergency in the region, said Staub.