Greer Fire Daily Update May 18th, 2025: Fire edge tested under critical weather conditions

Acres: 19, 121

Start Date: May 13, 2025

Location: Greer, AZ

Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: Approximately 680

Fuels: Grass, Shrubs, Timber

Containment: 0 percent Highlights: Today high winds will be another test for firefighters holding the firelines.

Operations: Firing operations completed on Friday along HWY 260, State Route 261, and Forest Rd 409 proved to be successful yesterday as winds tested the fire’s edge. Crews were able to continue the largest remaining firing operation last night that connected Forest Rd 409 to the main fire on the south/southwestern edge. Today, all resources continue to secure the fire’s edge to prevent wind-blown embers from spreading the fire.

Fire managers continually coordinate with Navopache Electric Cooperative to assess when it is safe to re-energize evacuated areas without power. The integrity of power lines and poles are still being tested from critical winds and potential damage from the fire. The incident management team’s goal, in coordination with the county emergency management and sheriff’s office is to re-populate and re-energize evacuated areas immediately once it is safe. Yesterday, a small area of heat crossed the line off Forest Road 373 north of Greer, illustrating how high winds continue to challenge control efforts. Numerous areas of residual heat remain close to the fireline and structures, where pockets of unburned fuel may ignite. To re-populate and increase containment, fire managers must ensure control lines are holding and hotspots near the perimeter are fully extinguished.

Weather: Fire personnel are preparing for another Red Flag Warning in effect today with critical fire weather conditions and strong winds expected – including gusts up to 41 mph.

Smoke: Updated smoke forecast at https://www.azdeq.gov/wildfire/forecast/greerfire

Closures: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest has issued a closure order for parts of the National Forest lands. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are also in effect prohibiting fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal briquettes and smoking. Evacuations: To check current evacuation statuses, an interactive evacuation map is available from the QR code below. Shelter for evacuees are open at the County Fairgrounds in St. Johns and the Alpine Community Center.

Highway 260 is closed in both directions near Greer. For updated travel information: az511.com Safety: A temporary flight restriction has been issued over the fire area. It is illegal to fly drones within the area.

As of 4pm all of the lines have held, despite the increased winds, and crews are reporting that things are looking good around the fire. Responders’ focus continues to be on mopping up and holding lines. Current acreage is 18,617.