Watch Fire grows to over 2,100 acres in eastern Arizona; arson suspected
13 homes destroyed; some evacuations downgraded to READY
SAN CARLOS, AZ (AZFamily) — The San Carlos Apache Tribe has declared a state of emergency as a wildfire continues to burn 2,162 acres in eastern Arizona.
The Watch Fire forced over 400 people to evacuate earlier this week, and has burned roughly 2,162 acres on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
On Monday morning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized federal funds to be sent to Arizona to combat the fire. At the time the state submitted the request on Saturday, the Watch Fire was threatening 300 homes and more than 5,000 people.
Officials are investigating arson as the suspected cause of the fire, which remains 0% contained as of Saturday morning.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe says at least 13 homes have been destroyed, leaving 75 people homeless.
The San Carlos Apache Police Department are advising residents to not clean up any burnt structures or debris while authorities take photos of the damage. “Our goal is to ensure the person(s) responsible for this fire is caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” officials posted on Facebook.
The tribe requested disaster assistance from state and federal governments. In response, Gov. Katie Hobbs is sending $400,000 from the Joint Heat Relief Initiative to support the tribal community and provide resources.
“We have endured fires before, but the human scale of this one is particularly devastating,” said San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler. “Unfortunately, multiple families lost homes. It was horrible all the way around. I have received reports of families leaving with nothing, elders having no transportation, kids running with no shoes. We have never experienced anything like this.”
Gov. Hobbs released a statement shortly after the fast-moving fire.
Officials say the blaze is the most serious structural fire on the reservation in at least 30 years. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
“We are thankful for the first responders as well as Governor Katie Hobbs, Graham County, Gila County, the Town of Globe, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Tonto Apache Tribe, and to all those who have provided their assistance,” Chairman Rambler said.
Aerials of Watch Fire:
The fire started just before noon on July 11 on the west side of San Carlos in the Seven Mile district area, fire officials said.
Fueled by strong winds, it moved toward Peridot Siding, Old Moonbase and into the bed of the San Carlos River. However, an afternoon thunderstorm on Thursday caused the fire to rapidly spread.
Four air tankers in the sky and five engines on the ground were called to battle the blaze. However, the air tankers were later grounded due to windy conditions.
A Type 3 fire response team is on site and a Complex Incident Management Team will take over management of the fire Friday afternoon.
Arizona’s Family spoke to Sheila Patton, who is among many affected by the devastation.
“I lost my house, I lost my cars. I lost my neighbors, everywhere in the neighborhood. It’s just gone. I couldn’t believe this fire took everybody’s house. We don’t know what to do, where we’re going to go now. Just heartbreaking,” said Patton.
Some homeowners were seen searching for their pets, many of whom are still missing.
“We’ve never really dealt with fire coming this close and taking homes. It was just very emotional. Devastating. First thing you think is ‘I hope the kids are OK, the parents are OK. The elders, hoping they’re OK.’ So it was just really devasting to see it. I’ve never seen it,” said Carol Sneezy, another resident.
Here are the areas evacuated now in San Carlos:
- TC Alley area
- Chinatown
- Homes near KYAY Apache Radio
The following areas should be in the “READY” (Prepare Now) status:
- White Mountain Avenue, north of Antonio
- Farmer’s Station
- Peridot Heights
- Old/New Moonbase
- Peridot Sidling
San Carlos Apache Police Department say Peridot Siding Road will remain closed. Highway 170 and White Mountain Avenue are open at this time.
The evacuation centers are at the Michael Noline Activity Center in Peridot and the bingo hall inside the Apache Gold Casino. Transportation to the shelters is available by calling 928-961-6259.
How to help those affected
Shush Diné Native Shop in Phoenix is holding a donation drive to help those affected by the Watch Fire Friday through Monday.
The public is asked to donate clothes and shoes for adults and babies, water, nonperishable food, phone chargers, self-care items such as shampoo, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, blankets, sheets, pillows and pet food.
You can drop off donations at the shop located at 3449 N. 16th Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission says the community can drop off goods at San Carlos High School.
The public can drop off donations at the Apache Gold Casino & Resort located at 777 Geronino Springs Boulevard. Clothing and hygiene items can be brought to the hotel, while food and beverages can be dropped off at the bingo hall. For animal care and livestock items, drop off is at the pavilion.
The Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce will serve as an additional drop-off location for donations of goods to help those affected by the fire. It is located at 1360 N Broad Street, just off Highway 60.
For those in the East Valley, RNC Fleet Service will be collecting donations. Representatives of RNC will take the items out to the the donation site on the reservation on Monday, July 22. Please drop off donations at 1725 E. 12th Avenue in Apache Junction, by Friday, July 19, at 5 p.m.
The Fix Med Spa in Safford is asking to gather diapers (all sizes), wipes, formula, water bottles, baby food and personal hygiene items. If you’d rather do a cash donation, you can Venmo them at @TheFix-MedSpa. Please make sure to include “San Carlos Fire” in the comment.
Native Health Phoenix will be accepting water bottle and financial donations during their Frybread for the Future event on Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Native Health Mesa, located at 777 West Southern Avenue.
For neighbors close to the fire, the Morenci Fire Department is accepting donations. If you would like to donate, contact Devin Degood at (520) 424-1530 to arrange a drop-off at the fire department located at 4500 US-191.
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