Greer Fire expands to 20,000 acres, over 700 personnel battling flames
A wildfire in eastern Arizona continues to burn, expanding to over 20,000 acres, with more red flag warnings in effect on Monday.
The Greer Fire, named after the small community in Arizona's White Mountains where the blaze sparked on May 13, has grown to 20,425 acres and is 38% contained, officials said on Monday.
A red flag warning in northeastern Arizona -- including the area of the flames -- is in effect on Monday, with officials urging residents to avoid burning or using tools that spark.
MORE: Arizona's Greer Fire explodes to more than 7,000 acres, evacuation area expands
"One spark into the dry veg under red flag conditions can start a rapid spreading wildfire," the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said Monday in a post on X.
Over 700 personnel have been assigned to battle the blaze, with high winds -- reaching around 40 mph -- posing "another test for firefighters holding the firelines," the forestry service said.
On Saturday, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency in Apache County due to the growing flames.
"My heart is with everybody who has been impacted by this devastating wildfire," Hobbs said in a statement on Saturday.
Evacuations have been issued for Greer, South Fork, residents west of Highway 261, Eager, south of Highway 260 and west of River Road, officials said. An interactive map has also been established to highlight the current evacuation orders.
MORE: Wildfires pollute the air with smoke, dust, ash. Here's how to protect yourself
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.
Greer is a small mountain town near the state's border with New Mexico with a population of less than 60 residents, as of 2020 census data.
More information on the growth of the fire and evacuations will be provided to the public on Monday evening, the forestry service said.
ABC News' Leah Sarnoff contributed to this report.
Greer Fire expands to 20,000 acres, over 700 personnel battling flames originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
15 hours ago
Nor'easter brings heavy rain to millions
ABC News' Ginger Zee has the latest on the wet start to the Memorial Day weekend travel rush.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Ranch Fire in Santa Cruz County Burns 2,700 Acres, Now 47% Contained
The Ranch Fire, a 2,751-acre wildfire burning in Santa Cruz County, is 47% contained as of Friday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Sparked by a lightning strike to a tree on Wednesday morning, the fire is burning about 19 miles southeast of Patagonia in the San Rafael Valley. Fueled by dense grasses and brush, strong winds have driven the flames from state land into the Coronado National Forest. Throughout the week, large air tankers worked with crews on the ground to suppress the flames, aided by cooler overnight temperatures and increased relative humidity. Crews are continuing mop-up operations along the fire's perimeter and within areas of heavy vegetation, as they work toward full containment. The Santa Cruz County Office of Emergency Management has downgraded all residents to the "Ready" phase of the "Ready, Set, Go" emergency response system. Santa Cruz County residents can sign up for emergency alerts at: Approximately 135 personnel remain assigned to the fire, including hand crews and engines. In May 2025, state, federal, and tribal agencies enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions across southeastern Arizona in response to extreme drought and heightened wildfire risk. Effective since May 12, the restrictions ban all campfires and stove fires on public lands—including those in developed campsites—as well as outdoor smoking. Fireworks have remained strictly prohibited on both state and federal lands. Violations of the restrictions were punishable by a fine or imprisonment, and violators may be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs. Visitors and residents should check with local jurisdictions for relevant information, as fire restrictions are subject to change. More information can be found at John Leos covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to Environmental coverage on and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Residents downgraded to "Ready" as Ranch Fire Hits 47% Containment
5 days ago
Air quality alerts from wildfire smoke as storms aim for the South
ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee has the latest on the air quality alerts across the Midwest caused by smoke from the Canadian wildfires and the severe storms possible across the South.
