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4 days ago
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Arizona governor views devastation at Grand Canyon's North Rim
GRAND CANYON — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs arrived at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon July 19 for an in-person update on the Dragon Bravo Fire. Flames have consumed more than 11,000 acres and many structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and the visitor center. Hobbs first toured near the blaze's burn path on a Blackhawk helicopter flown by the Arizona National Guard. Sunbeams illuminated the fire haze from a distance beyond the South Rim, long before the smoke and stands of charred trees came into view north of the canyon. The chopper circled over the skeletal remains of the Grand Canyon Lodge below. 'It's so devastating,' Hobbs said shortly after landing. 'As a lifelong Arizonan, it just is a reminder of the shared stewardship we have of this land of this iconic treasure of the Grand Canyon.' Hobbs landed about 25 miles north of the rim near De Motte Campground and first toured the fire camp, where roughly 700 personnel were staged to battle the blaze. 'Really the heavy lift and heavy workload is for the folks on the fire line,' said Manny Cordova, a liaison for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, who toured the governor through the camp. 'This is all designed to support them.' The tour included a visit to the finance trailer, where daily tallies of the cost are calculated. The tally as of July 19, according to a white board: $8,035,152.20. The governor also received a briefing on the fire behind closed doors in a yurt. The fire began with a lightning strike on July 4 about four miles from the North Rim's tourist hub. Hobbs has questioned the initial response to the blaze on federal land, and previously called for an investigation of why it was handled as a controlled burn. The National Park Service has said fire suppression was the goal but the flames jumped containment features when winds picked up and drove the wildfire over thousands of acres. Arizona has 80 firefighters assisting the federal response to the blaze, Arizona state Forester Tom Torres said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Katie Hobbs views devastation from Grand Canyon North Rim fire Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Firefighters battle two wildfires in Gila National Forest
Hot, dry temperatures and extreme drought conditions caused two wildfires burning in the Gila National Forest to grow prompting changes to evacuation levels on June 17. The Trout grew to 24,706 acres; the Buck fires to 57,736 acres. The Buck fire, which began June 11 southeast of Aragon, is 15% contained, while the Trout Fire remains uncontained. The Trout fire, 12 miles north of Silver City, has not resulted in the loss of any structures, but evacuations have increased to GO (Level 3) in zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and SET (Level 2) in zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Additional evacuation areas will be identified as conditions change. An interactive evacuation map is available through the Southwest Area Incident Management Team website. "Crews are bracing for increased fire activity, and the public should expect the potential for additional changes to evacuation status," a report from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team read. Gusty and erratic winds and lightning will be a concern for the Buck Fire's growth. Temperatures in the 90s with extremely low humidity and wind gusts up to 35 mph will fuel the Trout Fire, according to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team. Red Flag Warnings are in effect June 17 from noon to 9 p.m. in the Buck Fire area and through June 18 in the Trout Fire area. Crews worked late into the evening of June 16 along the Shaw Canyon access road on the northeast corner of the fire to limit eastern spread, according to a Southwest Area Incident Management Team report. Night resources remained on the incident to monitor for hotspots and potential growth along existing containment lines. Fire personnel also continued scouting for potential control features in the north and northwest areas, while additional crews were mobilized in support of future operations, the report read. 'We'd like to thank the community for your continued support," Incident Commander Lino Baca said. "The team is working diligently to limit fire growth while minimizing impacts to grazing areas by keeping the fire footprint as small as possible. With fuels advisories in effect and limited resources available in the event of an emergency, firefighter and public safety remains our highest priority.' Firefighters are focusing on line preparation ahead of expected fire weather and working to strengthen and secure existing control lines to help limit the spread of the fire on June 17. An increase in acreage was reported due to more accurate mapping June 16, and fire managers were confidently able to add some containment to parts of the fire, the incident management team report read. Members of the public should avoid the Buck Fire area. Unmanned aircraft, such as drones, pose a risk to firefighting operations and can cause air operations to cease, according to the incident management team. The public should avoid driving on New Mexico 163 within the fire area. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) has issued a soft closure to discourage any hikers from hiking through the fire area due to public safety and accountability. Smoke may be visible from Highway 12 southeast of the community of Aragon and southwest of Highway 60. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. The Trout Fire remained active on June 16, particularly on the east and south flanks. Overnight, crews conducted firing operations to protect property and hold established firelines, according to a Southwest Area Incident Management Team report. Additional personnel and resources arrived to boost suppression efforts and support both day and nighttime shifts. Firefighters are working in round-the-clock rotations to stay ahead of changing conditions, the report read. Firefighters would conduct firing operations on the north and west sides of the fire, build direct handlines along the fire's edge, reinforce dozer lines and identify roads and natural features to serve as control lines on June 17, the incident management team report read. These tactics are used to reduce fuels and create buffers that help protect infrastructure, homes and other values at risk. Firefighting resources are seeking opportunities to prevent additional growth along the south edge of the fire. Aerial resources would assist with water and retardant drops as conditions allow on June 17, but increasing wind and ongoing Red Flag Warnings may limit aircraft use for safety. Crews are continuing to reinforce the progress made on June 16 by removing unburned fuels between control lines and the fire when it is safe to do so, according to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team report. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Gila National Forest wildfires continue to grow
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
New Mexico wildfires force evacuations, spark air quality alerts
Two large wildfires burning in southwestern New Mexico remain 0% contained as intense heat, wind and drought continue to fuel dangerous fire conditions. The Trout Fire, located 12 miles north of Silver City-about 150 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas- has burned 18,278 acres since it was first reported on June 12, according to New Mexico Fire Information. The blaze has triggered evacuation orders for at least 350 homes. "These fires are being fueled by a combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought and very dry vegetation. Low snowpack across the Southwest last winter left the region primed for early-season fire activity," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. More than 600 personnel are working to contain the Trout Fire. Crews are using direct handlines and dozer lines to fight the flames, while helicopters assist with water and retardant drops when conditions allow. But the weather continues to complicate efforts, especially at night. "Usually humidity rises overnight and helps us out," Stefan La-Sky, spokesperson for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team said. "But it's remained dry. So we're seeing considerable fire movement even during the night, which we usually don't see." The fire's cause is under investigation. Buck Fire continues to spread About 120 miles to the north, the Buck Fire has burned over 35,000 acres near Aragon, New Mexico. Lightning sparked the fire on June 11, and it continues to spread in grass and timber despite aggressive suppression efforts. Air resources have been key to limiting fire progression along the northern flanks, especially as gusty, erratic winds fueled additional growth Sunday and Monday. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Tuesday as hot, dry conditions persist and winds remain a significant concern. Both fires have prompted area closures and trail shutdowns. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) has asked hikers to avoid sections near the Buck Fire for safety. Officials are urging residents to follow evacuation notices and avoid flying drones in the fire area. "If you fly, we can't," they warned, referencing the risk drones pose to firefighting aircraft. Temperatures in the region remain in the low to mid-90s with extremely low humidity. Winds will begin increasing as red flag conditions move into the region. "Winds across western New Mexico are expected to pick up Friday and remain gusty through next Wednesday. That's going to be a major concern, especially with both fires still at 0% containment," Pastelok said. Wildfire smoke sparks air quality concerns Air quality concerns are also growing as smoke becomes more visible from highways and nearby communities. "Smoke from these fires has already been affecting air quality across the region. Albuquerque will likely see impacts through the rest of the week, and Denver could be affected by the weekend," Pastelok noted. An air quality alert has been issued for parts of Grant County due to smoke from the Trout Fire. Hazardous air quality levels are expected through midday Wednesday. Areas most affected include the Sapillo Creek and Mimbres Valley along Highway 35, as well as along Highway 152 between Santa Clara and San Lorenzo. Health officials urge everyone to avoid outdoor exertion. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should remain indoors. Those with heart conditions experiencing symptoms like a fast pulse, shortness of breath or unusual weakness are advised to contact their healthcare provider.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Greer Fire is 20K acres and growing: What to know about the blaze that's 0% contained
The Greer Fire burning in eastern Arizona was at 20,833 acres and still uncontained the evening of May 18, according to InciWeb, a federal tracker. Control lines held through the wind during the day, the government Facebook page Greer Fire 2025 posted May 18. Smoke was visible, and there was some growth in acreage, but this was mostly due to areas of unburnt fuels within the existing fire perimeter being consumed, the page said. The cause of the blaze that began May 13 was under investigation but had burned grass, shrubs and timber, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team said. Almost 800 people were assigned to fight the fire, as of May 18. Here's what to know about efforts to contain the almost week-old Greer Fire. On May 16, the Apache County Sheriff's Office issued mandatory "go" evacuation orders for residents in Eagar, Greer, South Fork and all areas west of State Route 261. Eagar residents located south of State Route 260 between River Road and the SR 260/U.S. 180 junction — directly east of the fire — were included in the evacuation area. The fire had crossed east over State Route 261. The latest Greer Fire evacuations could be seen on an interactive map provided by the National Interagency Fire Center. Shelter for evacuees were open at the County Fairgrounds in St. Johns and the Alpine Community Center. Blankets and food were available for those who had been evacuated, according to the Apache County Office of Emergency Management website. Major highways in eastern Arizona remained closed due to the fire until further notice, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. State Route 260 was closed in both directions between mileposts 380 and 395. State Route 373's southbound lane was closed between mileposts 385 and 390. State Route 261 was closed in both directions between mileposts 394 and 412. Crews were expected to continue to patrol and mop up hotspots along the control lines to prepare for incoming weather, the Greer 2025 page confirmed. Gusty winds, dry fuels and low humidity will lead to the potential for rapid spread of new or existing fires, according to the National Weather Service Flagstaff office. Hazardous crosswinds were possible with reduced visibility due to blowing dust and sand in much of the northern part of the state, but strongest in east central Arizona, the weather service said. There was a chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms on May 19, mainly in northeast Arizona, the weather service said. Red flag warnings were in effect through May 19 for portions of eastern Arizona, according to the National Weather Service office in Phoenix. Lighter winds were expected on May 20. A public meeting will be hosted by the incident management team at 6 p.m. on May 19 at the Round Valley High School auditorium. Local safety and fire officials will share the latest information on the Greer Fire. The meeting will also be broadcast live on YouTube. The Republic's Olivia Rose contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Greer Fire in eastern Arizona burns more than 20K acres: What to know
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
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Greer Fire: What to know about Arizona wildfire as it spreads to over 18,000 acres
Firefighters held containment lines around the Greer Fire on May 17, which had burned a total of 18,617 acres by the end of its sixth day. Though that marked an increase of nearly 3,000 acres from the previous day, the fire has not grown into a massive event like the 2011 Wallow Fire, which scorched more than half a million acres in the same region. Crews continued to protect structures and hold the fire back, despite facing strong wind gusts expected to persist for several more days. An afternoon update on social media by the Southwest Area Incident Management Team reported that "all lines have held, despite the increased winds and crews are reporting that things are looking good around the fire." The good news for area residents came after Gov. Katie Hobbs visited the area and, earlier in the day, declared a state of emergency that will release $200,000 in state funds to the firefighting effort. High winds have fueled the Greer Fire from the beginning, leaving communities like Greer, Eagar and Springerville on edge. The National Weather Service forecast strong wind gusts continuing through the night of May 17 and lasting at least through Monday, raising the risk of embers igniting new fires. In response, fire managers used the forecasts to their advantage, conducting controlled burns to reduce available fuel and slow the fire's spread. In a video posted to social media on May 17, Mike Wallace, operations section chief for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, explained how firefighters used both hand ignition and drone-based "aerial ignition" to build a "good buffer" ahead of anticipated winds. These buffer zones, he said, are designed to help protect the 26 Bar community, Springerville, and other areas to the east — giving fire crews a 'higher probability of success' in holding the line. Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency over the Greer Fire on May 17, releasing an emergency fund of $200,000 to help support the state's response to the fire, then toured parts of the area. Fire officials told her the weather remained an extreme concern and they had plans to evacuate local communities in a worst-case scenario. "I don't want to jinx anything, so I'm going to knock on this plastic table and pretend it's wood," Hobbs told them. Major highways in eastern Arizona remain closed because of the fire and won't reopen until further notice. The Arizona Department of Transportation reports: State Route 260 is closed in both directions between mileposts 380 and 395. State Route 373's southbound lane is closed between mileposts 385 and 390. State Route 261 is closed in both directions between mileposts 394 and 412. Reach the reporter at rstern@ or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern. A personal take: A terrible Arizona wildfire broke my heart. How my daughter gave me hope as new blaze rages This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Day 6 of the Greer Fire in eastern Arizona: What to know
