Arizona troopers with the Department of Public Safety carried out a targeted enforcement on southbound SR-87 between Payson and Fountain Hills, an area known for truck fires. The operation took place the week of May 27, 2025.

The details: Troopers inspected commercial vehicles for equipment problems that could spark fires, especially brakes and tires. Several trucks were taken off the road on the spot due to issues found during the checks.

• Officials noted that new CDL drivers driving automatics often rely too much on their brakes instead of using lower gears on the long downgrade, which can overheat brakes and lead to fires.
• This stretch of highway has seen multiple truck fires in the past, costing drivers, companies, and the public millions in damage and delays.

What they’re saying: AZDPS said, “This can cause brakes to overheat and catch fire, resulting in 100’s of thousands of dollars in damaged property, wildland fires, and major traffic delays.”

The enforcement action was focused on finding problems before damage could be done and keeping this risky stretch of highway safer for everyone traveling it.