Home » Outdoors » Whitetail and Sawmill Fires – Email Update – June 20, 2015 16:28 PST

Whitetail and Sawmill Fires – Email Update – June 20, 2015 16:28 PST

Whitetail and Sawmill Fires

June 20, 2015

Incident Commander: Nate Barrett, and Brad Johnson, IC-Trainee

Information Contact:  Valerie Azure and Gabrielle Kenton—928-475-2326

8:00 am. to 5:30 pm.

 

 

Start Date:  June 20, 2015  Growth Potential:  Fire activity is high in steep, rocky terrain. 
Size:  Whitetail = 11,500+ acres           Sawmill = 450 + acres Percent Contained:  0% 
Cause:  Both lightning caused.  Resources Assigned: The Geronimo Hotshot crew, four 20-person Type II Initial Attack crews, 4 engines, two helicopters, and various other resources.

 

Summary:  Now on its fifth day, the Whitetail Fire has grown to approximately 11,500  acres and continues to burn in rugged grassland and woodland terrain in the central San Carlos Apache Reservation.  The Sawmill Fire, also on the reservation, is approximately 15 miles east of the Whitetail Fire and in similar terrain. Winds are pushing both fires in various directions through steep terrain as they progress in an easterly direction. Both fires are being managed to meet multiple objectives including habitat, watershed, and forage improvement.

 

The public is asked to avoid roads and areas near the fire due to heavy fire traffic and fire hazards.  Road 1200 to Blue River, and roads 1220, 1400,  and1500 near the fire should be avoided. Safety for fire fighters and the public is the number one priority.  If community members are planning to be near Warm Springs, please be aware of potentially heavy fire traffic.  Fire vehicles may also be coming through town, so drive with caution.   

 

Air Quality maybe compromised by smoke during early morning or late evening inversions. This may cause problems for people who are ill or have respiratory problems. If possible, these people should stay indoors during periods that smoke is visible.

 

Updates will continue to be posted and emailed, will be reported on KYAY 91.1, and will show on SCATUI’s Channel 11.

San Carlos SealBureau of Indian AffairsSan Carlos Forestry

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