Watch Fire 81 Percent Contained

7/16/2024 - 11:29 am

Overview: Yesterday, more containment was added to the southeast and northern corners of the Watch Fire. There was no additional smoke from burned structures or other concerns as crews continued working. Firefighters were able to focus their efforts on finalizing containment around the fire. Today, firefighters will continue working to gain the final containment along the remaining non-contained perimeter. Any residents returning to evacuated areas who may have questions or concerns are asked to contact the San Carlos Apache Emergency Operations Center (information below).

Weather: Watch Fire is expected to see temperatures around 100 degrees in lower elevations with light west/southwest winds between 5-15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Increasing cloud cover with a 50 percent chance of rain. There is a high probability of lightning over the next few days.

Safety: Additional fire personnel are available to respond to any new fires which may occur in the area. Increased traffic continues to impact roads in and around the fire. Please drive with caution. Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. Drones can endanger firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/

Evacuations: The following communities have been downgraded from “GO” (evacuate) to “SET” (be alert) Status; Lower Seven Mile Wash, New Moonbase, San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation, Farmers Station, Downtown San Carlos and Peridot Siding. Residents are asked to avoid burned structures due to hazardous materials that may have long term health effects. For more information, call the San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission at 928-475-2008 or  visit (TERC) or the San Carlos Police Department Facebook pages at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064423850123

Fire details: 

Watch Fire: 2,162 acres

Start Date: July 10, 2024

Cause: Human Caused, Under Investigation

Fuels: Cottonwood, Brush, Understory

Containment: 81%

Resources: 185

Location: 7 Mile and Peridot Districts, San Carlos Reservation

https://www.facebook.com//SanCarlosApachePoliceDepartment/.

 

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Source: 
Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team