The fire is estimated to be more than 3,500 acres and is burning in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest near Greer.
GREER, Ariz. — A fire burning in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest near Greer has forced evacuations and power outages. The western side of Eagar, including all residents west of River Road, has been put on “SET” as of Tuesday afternoon.
(Last updated at 9:30 p.m. on May 13)
Evacuation orders
All people in Greer and South Fork have been told to evacuate. People on the west side of Eager have been put on “SET” status.
Law Enforcement in Eagar is going door to door to notify residents that they are put on SET in the 26 Bar neighborhood. This does not mean they are being evacuated, according to Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness.
The Towns of Springerville and Eagar are declaring a state of emergency due to the wildfire. The emergency declaration states there shall be “no burning of any type outdoors and no outdoor smoking” while it remains in effect.
Everyone east of Southfork and east of the 261 within a mile radius should gather important documents, pets, and medication, and prepare to evacuate.
Evacuation centers
The Red Cross of Arizona has opened a shelter at Saint Johns High School, which is located at 300 South Redskin Dr. in Saint Johns, Arizona. The new shelter is approximately 30 minutes away from the previous evacuation center.
The Red Cross has also opened a shelter at the Apache County Fairgrounds, which is at 825 4th N in Saint Johns.
The Town of Eagar said evacuees with RVs or large animals can go to the Round Valley Rodeo Grounds.
The Alpine Fire Department said evacuees can also come to the Alpine Community Center.
The Towns of Springerville and Eagar are declaring a state of emergency due to the wildfire. The emergency declaration states there shall be “no burning of any type outdoors and no outdoor smoking” while it remains in effect.
How many acres has the fire burned?
The Watch Duty app is reporting the fire has grown to more than 3,500 acres.
Schools closed
As of Tuesday evening, the Round Valley School District announced there will be no in-person school tomorrow due to the Greer Fire. Instead, the school district will have a “Digital Learning Day” to ensure students remain safe.
“Our hearts and prayers are with all those impacted by the fire,” the superintendent of Round Valley School District said in an update. “We thank our emergency responders and community members for their efforts during this challenging time.”
The school district encourages anyone with questions to reach out to their school site.
Road closures
State Route 260 is closed in both directions between mileposts 385 and 393 in Eastern Arizona due to the wildfire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
State Route 373 southbound is also closed between mileposts 385 and 390.
Fire resources
Multiple agencies are responding, and crews are asking the public to pull over and allow them to pass.
Multiple structures have been destroyed, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The Northeastern Arizona Public Information System said there will be a Type 2 Complex Incident Management Team taking command of the fire Tuesday night at 8 p.m. There are currently 100 personnel working on the fire.
They are reporting high winds and heavy fuels. The fire started on private property.
Air resources have responded and additional ground crews are being called in.
The Navopache Electric Cooperative says power has been shut off in the Greer area.
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
Matches in a waterproof container
Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
Arizona wildfire season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona.
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