PODCAST: Maintaining state highways sometimes includes fighting a fire

Listen to the episode (or use the player below)

As ADOT's maintenance supervisor in Payson, Brett Rupp's area of responsibility includes much of State Route 87 and State Route 260, highways that are popular with those traveling to and from Arizona's high country and are essential to those living there. In addition to maintaining state highways, Brett and his team also deal with the unexpected, such as setting up a closure at the request of first responders or making sure wildfire smoke isn't interfering with visibility on highways. 

We invited Brett into the On the Road With ADOT studio to discuss a recent incident in which ADOT personnel from Payson and Mesa teamed to put out a potentially nasty fire along SR 87 before it got out of hand. Their fast work was in the finest traditions of our agency, and we're excited for you to hear Brett's account of that day. 

Speaking from his years of experience, Brett also shares advice on things you can do to avoid accidentally starting a wildfire. 

You can subscribe to episodes of On the Road with ADOT through Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You also can find episodes at azdot.gov/Podcast and featured in ADOT Blog posts.