Official Fire update *****6/20/16 at 9:45 am******
Yesterday’s weather did in fact break records across Arizona including the local area, with extreme heat and low humidity which resulted in extreme fire behavior.
The fire grew approximately 14,000 acres yesterday, with all growth extending from the south side of the main fire. The current perimeter of the fire extends directly south and east of Highway60 across the Gila County/Navajo County boundary.
The eastern edge of the fire has crossed over the Cedar Creek drainage. The southern perimeter is still approximately 1 ½ miles east of Hwy 73, and approximately 2 ½ miles north of the Cedar Creek community and has reached an area with more sparse vegetation.
The Community of Cedar Creek is under a PRE-EVACUATION notice. . Community members that choose to leave the area now can go to either Snowflake High School or to the Eager Round Valley Dome. Livestock can be taken to the Taylor Rodeo Grounds or Holbrook Fair Grounds and small animals can be taken to Apache Eager Animal Control.
Early this morning, the winds did shift and are now coming from the south. The wind will limit future fire growth to the south. Firefighters were able to prepare and conduct burnout operations along the eastern flank of the fire near Faught Saddle, tying in a critical piece of the northeastern flank of the fire with completed line.
Fire crews will continue to work south along Hwy 60 to fortify the control points. In coordination with Navopache Electric, fire crews are looking for opportunities to conduct burnout operations along the highway. When they are able to conduct these operations, the electric cooperative may need to turn off the power line for a short time to provide for the safest possible environment for firefighters. Navopache Electric Cooperative will notify affected residents prior to turning off power. On the eastern flank, fire crews will be scouting opportunities to tie in the road system to existing control features related to the 2015 Playground Fire.
With the recent growth of this fire the Incident Management Team has ordered additional resources to support continued suppression efforts. As of this morning, resources include 23 Fire Crews, 37 Engines, 7 Dozers, 11 Water Tenders, 7 Helicopters, 4 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) for a total of 770 personnel assigned to the incident.
The community is invited to hear directly from Incident Management leadership at 3 community meetings scheduled to take place today and Tuesday. Scheduled meetings include:
• June 20, 2016, 11:00am, Hon Dah Casino Conference Center, Whiteriver Conference room, 777 AZ-260, Pinetop, AZ
• June 20, 2016, 6:30pm, Blue Ridge High School, Main Auditorium, 1200 W. White Mountain Blvd., Lakeside, AZ
• June 21, 2016, 5:30pm, Show Low City Hall, Council Chamber, 181 N, 9th St. Show Low, AZ
The public can continue to get information on the Cedar Fire by calling the 311 Northeastern Arizona Public Information System at 928-333- 3412.
Did the fire grow an additional 14,000 acres yesterday or is that number the total acres burned so far?
The fire grew an additional 14,000 acres. Approximate size is 26,739 acres
We’re in Tucson, a few months ago we made plans to visit Pinetop this Thursday/Friday/Saturday. Should we stay home? Even if no evacuations occur, we’re concerned about road restrictions and just a general feeling of being on edge rather than enjoying ourselves. Wanting your honest opinion – thanks!
How about I give you the particulars and you make a judgement call based on the info that feels best to you. Hwy 60 remains closed between MP 318/338, Pinetop is still under pre-evacuation notice (you will be under this same advisement should you come to the area) and SHOULD we go into evacuation status as you are traveling, you will be turned away from the area. The fire has grown 14,000 acres to the south over the last 24 hours . There is heavy smoke in the area at times as well as an abundance of fire crews. The temperatures have been 15-20 degrees above normal.
That is very helpful and detailed info — thank you again!
Thank You to all of those who continue to keep our community safe! We are praying for your efforts and safety!
What is current containment of fire?
It was at 40% until the fire broke through the lines yesterday, it is now at an undetermined amount.
The Inciweb regarding Cedar Fire news update that was just updated 2 hours ago said 40% containment. Is this the best place to get most recent updates?
That was the last containment we were given.
In the last live conference they said if the fire didn’t break the lines they would still only hold the pre-evacuation, since it did break through the lines yesterday, have they changed their minds about what justifies a real evacuation?
Show Low, Pinetop/Lakeside, McNary, Hon-dah remain under pre-evacuation notice at this time. Because the fire broke the lines to the south, there was not imminent danger to these areas, and therefore no need to upgrade evacuation orders at the time.
It should be noted that the community of Cedar Creek remains under pre-evacuation notice at this time as well.
I’m not sure I understand your entire comment, but let me answer what I know. What justifies an evacuation, is the fire crew and law enforcement will make the determination that the surrounding areas are at risk, and are no longer safe. At that time, the Sheriff’s Office will issue the evacuation, and the Ready Navajo County will send out a notification to the public. Law enforcement will also go door to door checking the houses to make sure they have evacuated.
That is correct
So is show low still under pre evacuation
Show Low will remain under pre-evacuation notice until officials decide that the threat is diminished.