Official Update ****6/22/16 at 8:49 am****
Fire is approximately 42, 802 acres and 22% contained with approximately 967 personnel.
Yesterday the fire had no growth to the north. As a result containment has increased from SR 60 at approximately mile post 323 on the west side, to the Playground Fire scar to the east.
Today the eastern flank will be the most active with increased fire and smoke activity. Firefighters are continuing to build fire line along the B-33 road.
The southern fire edge that was threatening the community of Cedar Creek has had no significant movement in the last 24 hours, partially due to the transition to more sparse vegetation. As a result the containment lines are holding and crews will continue to make improvements.
Fire mangers do not expect the fire to move any closer to the town of Cedar Creek. We would also like to remind residents that this area remains closed to the public to ensure public and firefighter safety.
In the southwest corner of the fire the crews may conduct burnout operations when and if conditions are favorable. This may cause an increased in fire activity and smoke. Fire may be visible from the area of SR 60 and SR 73 today. SR 60 between Mileposts 318-338 remains closed to travelers due to smoke conditions and firefighters actively working near the roadway. SR 73 through Whiteriver remains open from Carrizo to Hon-Dah.
The pre-evacuation notice will remain in effect for the communities of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Hon-Dah, McNary and Cedar Creek.
Firefighting efforts around the electric lines that feed Cibecue, Cedar Creek, and Carrizo have been successful, Navopache Electric Co-Op does not anticipate de-energizing the lines again today.
If an evacuation notice is given, the evacuation sites will be Round Valley Middle School in Eagar via SR 73 and then SR 260 east. There is also an evacuation site at Holbrook High School to the north. Livestock may be taken to Round Valley Rodeo Grounds, the Holbrook Fairgrounds, and the Taylor Rodeo Complex. Community members that wish to evacuate now can go to the sites listed above.
Firefighting aircraft – such as air attack aircraft, lead planes, airtankers, and helicopters – typically fly in smoky, windy, and turbulent conditions. Safety depends on knowing what other aircraft are operating in the airspace and where they are at all times. This is compromised by the presence of unauthorized UAS. Unauthorized UAS flights could lead fire managers to suspend aerial wildfire suppression operations – such as airtankers dropping fire retardant and helicopters dropping water – until the UAS has left the airspace and they are confident it won’t return.
The bottom line is that “If you fly, we can’t.”
I have a sick child – vomiting and diahrrea (so far, no fever). Where should we go if we are evacuated? Do shelters take in those who are sick?
There is a shelter located at the Holbrook High School (455 N. 8th Avenue, Holbrook, AZ). Nurses are on-scene to provide some medical services, but individuals who are experiencing illness may be separated from the total population. If you would need more medical attention than a nurse, you should try to see your doctor before an evacuation.
People please we are all curious as to “how the fire looks” but your going to find out up close and personal if the fire personnel is unable to fly the firefighteringredient aircraft we need to put this fire out! So please ,please, please, knock it off!! Thank you
Maybe the area needs to be declared a no fly zone, except for fire fighting personnel. My guess is it’s Phoenix news tiring to get latest scoop on fire.
That would be my guess as well.
Inciweb shows 42,802 acres but you stated 48,802; please review and advise, thanks!
42,802 is the most up-to-date acreage.
It has been corrected.
The paragraph about road closures is confusing. How can Hwy 73 be open to Carrizo and Hwy 60 be closed to Carrizo?
Highway 60 is closed east of the Highway 73 junction. If you are traveling to Carrizo from the east, you must detour via Highway 73 through Whiteriver, to Highway 60.
how confident are they that they can hold the road be 33 fireline
As far has we have been told, they have high confidence.
How confident are they, that they can hold the B-33 line and the E and SE part of the fire?
At this time it continues to be a work in progress, there are some heavy fuels in the area as well as rough terrain. They are doing their best to plan ahead and stay in front of the fire.
You say UAS can hamper supression flights for the fire what is UAS & if it can cause that supresse it immediatley not later for your safety & ours your response is appreciated fhank you to you all from the ground & air & all involved be safe thank you again
A UAS is an Unmanned aircraft system, such as a drone.
Some days ago, you posted a “completion date” of 100% by July 6th. Now you’ve taken that down. New prediction?
Was just told there is another fire on the Reservation possibly due to lightening. Accurate? And if so where? Thanks
Yes, they were caused by lighting. We have not been given the location other that on Fort Apache Reservation.
SO grateful for these detailed updates!!! Thank you!!! You folks doing this and all the others working to keep us safe are AWESOME!!!
ANy estimate on reopening us 60 to show low?
At this time, no. The fire crews are still utilizing that road to engage with fire fighting.
Channel 15 reported this morning that there is a new fire near Whiteriver. Is that correct?
There were a few VERY small lightning strikes east of the Cedar fire area. One is 100% contained and out and the other is contained and almost out.