WYRICK and WEST CHEV FIRE UPDATE 6/22/2021 11am

Type 2 Incident Management Team taking command of Wyrick and West Chev Fires Acres: Wyrick: 7,100 acres West Chev: 288 acres

Cause of Both Fires: Lightning

Containment: 0%

Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021

Location: Wyrick: 1 mi north of Heber, AZ

West Chev: 13 miles northwest of Heber,

AZFuels: Timber and grass

Announcement: The Wyrick and West Chev fires are burning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Firefighters are working in cooperation with local county officials to keep residents and visitors safe. There is a list of links below which will help you find additional information. Overview: The Southwest Incident Management Team 5, led by Incident Commander Mark Bernal, took command of the Wyrick and West Chev fires at 6am on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The Wyrick Fire continues to burn approximately 1 mile north of Heber, and the West Chev Fire is burning 13 miles northwest of Heber. The acreage listed is from the Infra flight last night. Fire Update: Extreme fire behavior with long range spotting and group tree torching was observed on the fires Monday, allowing both the Wyrick and West Chev fires to grow rapidly. Air tankers have been flying on the fire, and helicopters are dropping water buckets to assist in firefighting efforts. Additional firefighters and equipment are being ordered to help slow the spread of both fires, and to build line to contain these fires. As a safety precaution the Woods Canyon Lake Recreation area was cleared on Monday and will remain closed for public safety. Additional emergency closures are in progress. Weather: Hot, dry, and breezy conditions will continue today, challenging firefighters. There is a potential for showers and thunderstorms to develop over the area on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.

Ready, Set, Go: Visit Navajo County Emergency Management for additional information about the Ready, Set, Go program and how to sign up for alerts.

Areas in GO:·Antelope Valley, Despain Ranch,Heber-and Overgaard north of Highway 260 and 277

Areas in SET:·Chevelon Ranches and Retreat, Communities in Overgaard south of Highway 277 and North of Highway 260.

Areas in READY:·Overgaard south of Highway 260, High Country Pines in Heber· Kendall Ranch / Camp Ponderosa

Highway Closures: The Wyrick and West Chev fires have closed State Route 260 from Star Valley to Clay Spring. State Route 377 from Heber to Holbrook, and State Route 277 from 377 to Heber is also closed. This is a very fluid situation and closures keep shifting. There is no estimated time for reopening. Motorists are advised to delay travel or to seek alternate routes.

Smoke: Smoke is visible and may settle into low lying areas overnight. The Daily Air Quality Index can be found by visiting Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at https://azdeq.gov/node/5914; or by downloading the Air Arizona mobile app on your smartphone. (https://azdeq.gov/airaz)

Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire areas include power lines and radio towers, private property, and natural resources.

More Information: Inciweb:·West Chev: West Chev Information – InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)·

Wyrick: Wyrick Fire Information – InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)

Smoke: Wildfire Smoke Forecast | ADEQ Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (azdeq.gov)

Highway Closures: https://az511.gov/

Navajo County Emergency Management: https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/…/Ready-Navajo-County

Navajo County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavajoCountyEM/Navajo County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/NCSO.AZ/posts/4060988313951038

Start Date: September 5, 2019
Size: 2000 acres Cause: Lightning
Location: 5 miles south of Heber/Overgaard, Arizona

The lightning caused Rocky Fire made significant progress towards reducing excess fuels and lowering the risk of wildfires within the established perimeter. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles south of Heber-Overgaard, Arizona within the Rodeo-Chediski fire scar. The Rocky Fire poses no danger to structures or other values.

Fire crews were able to safely use hand ignition off FSR 300 and FSR 487 but Helitorch operations contributed to the majority of successfully treated areas. Fire managers are working to minimize smoke intrusion into populated areas however smoke is still likely to impact surrounding communities before prevailing winds push it away.

Members of the public entering the fire area are advised to use caution as firefighter continue to work in the area. For additional information you may call the Black Mesa Ranger District 928-535-7300, Monday through Friday.

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Start Date: September 4, 2019
Size: 700 acres Cause: Lightning
Location: Lake Mountain area
Resources: 1 crew, 3 Engines, 1 dozer and miscellaneous overhead

The size of the Telephone wildfire has increased to 700 acres as helicopter management ignitions continue within the focus area. The fire is being used to improve rangelands, wildlife habitat and forest health. Fire managers are also working to preserve important historic sites and natural aspects of our national heritage. This includes the Lake Mountain Lookout and a historic corral.

As the fire continues to grow nearby residential areas and surround communities should expect smoke impacts for short durations throughout the day. Smoke concentration change constantly depending on weather, terrain and other variables. Fire managers are monitoring the smoke and making every effort to minimize the impacts when possible.

The public should use caution when driving in the area due to dusty conditions and fire traffic. Members of the public are welcome to call the Lakeside Ranger District for additional information 928-368-2100 Monday through Friday.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.