Residents near Sedona and Payson prepare to evacuate as multiple fires burn across state

Yahoo

2 days ago

Wildfires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres across Arizona this season and destroyed notable landmarks in the Grand Canyon State.
Several fires throughout Arizona continued to burn as officials worked to contain the largest, the Dragon Bravo Fire, which was burning on the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Another fire near Sedona, the Woods Fire that started Aug. 13, had residents prepared for the possibility of an evacuation. Officials cautioned that the Washington Fire burning near Payson could also prompt evacuations.
Several other fires were largely uncontained in the central and eastern parts of the state, including the Billy Fire, Bronco Fire and Indian Creek Fires. Meanwhile, the White Sage Fire burning farther north on the Kaibab Plateau has remained at 95% containment.
Billy Fire
The Billy Fire south of Young in Gila County in central Arizona had scorched 19,750 acres as of the evening of Aug. 13, according to federal tracker InciWeb. It was 21% contained and was originally caused by a lightning strike.
Scattered showers were expected Aug. 14 with gusty winds that could move from north to east, according to InciWeb. Continued growth was anticipated to the south and west toward Carr Mountain.
Bronco Fire
Unexpected rain tempered some of the Bronco Fire northeast of San Carlos, according to InciWeb. After 0% containment just days ago, the fire had burned 18,131 acres and was 16% contained.
It's been fueled by a mix of timber, chaparral and brush. Officials did not expect the fire to grow significantly, given the upcoming chances for rain and the lack of strong winds, InciWeb said.
Dragon Bravo Fire
As of Aug. 13, the more than 144,000-acre fire on the Grand Canyon's North Rim has been 44% contained, according to InciWeb. Originally caused by lightning on July 4, the wildfire was currently staffed by more than 1,000 personnel.
Weather was dry and warm in the area, and officials noted that winds will "challenge containment lines near Hindu Point and on the Walhalla Plateau, which have remained static for two days," according to InciWeb.
Indian Creek Fire
Starting on Aug. 5 on the Fort Apache Reservation, the Indian Creek Fire was now 2,513 acres, InciWeb said. It was 25% contained as of Aug. 13, and officials said potential thunderstorm buildup was threatening erratic winds. The fire was burning in "steep and rugged terrain," making it difficult for firefighters to get to, InciWeb said.
Washington Fire
The Washington Fire started Aug. 13 northwest of Washington Park in the Payson Ranger District, according to the U.S. Forest Service Tonto National Forest. Ten to 15 acres had burned as of 3:07 p.m.
Residents near Bray Creek Ranch, Shadow Rim Ranch, Rim Trail Estates, Verde Glen and Washington Park were in "set" status, according to the Gila County Sheriff's Office.
"SET means be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice," the Sheriff's Office said. "Gather your essentials, plan where you will go, and stay alert for further instructions."
Engines and helicopters from the Billy Fire were helping with fire suppression efforts, the forest service said. Additional resources ordered included airtankers. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Woods Fire
Residents living in parts of the Village of Oak Creek were being asked to prepare to evacuate on short notice as of Aug. 13.
The "set" evacuation order from Yavapai County Sheriff's Office was issued for people living east of State Route 179, according to a Facebook post from the Sheriff's Office. That included parts of Jacks Canyon Road and Pine Valley. Residents should gather important documents, medicine and personal items, the Sheriff's Office said.
The fire was first reported around noon Aug. 13, according to the Sedona Fire Department. Firefighters found the blaze on Horse Mesa about two miles east of Village of Oak Creek and six miles southeast of Sedona.
Officials don't know what caused the fire or how large it is, but said the smoke was noticeable to people in the surrounding neighborhoods and those driving along Interstate 17, said the U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest.
Smoke will remain visible as firefighters work to contain it. The public was asked to avoid the area until further notice, according to the forest service.
Fifty acres had burned just before 5 pm. Aug. 13, a Facebook post from the forest service said.
(This story has been updated to add more information.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: New wildfires prompt evacuations near Payson and Sedona