June 19, 2016
11:45 a.m.
NEWS RELEASE

Navopache Electric Cooperative Inc

1878 W White Mountain Blvd
Lakeside, AZ  85929
(928) 368-5118
Media Contact: Elizabeth Neal, 1-928-368-5118, Ext. 201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Incident Commander has asked NEC to alerts its members located in Cibecue, Carrizo and Cedar Creek to prepare them for temporary loss of power.  NEC crews, as well as firefighting crews, have completed prep work around our poles feeding those communities to limit the damage in the event the fire continues to go that direction.  Should power be interrupted the Incident Commander does not feel at this time it will be for an extended amount of time; however, if you should lose power in your home here are a few tips: keep refrigerators and freezers closed unless absolutely necessary, close windows, window coverings and doors to preserve the cooler temperature in your home, have flashlights, water, medical necessities and food readily available. As always, safety is our primary concern, for the firefighters and our members, thank you for your cooperation at this time.

Official fire update ****6/19/16 at 11:16 am****

Fire is contained at 40%. Fire was most active on the South side of the fire during the night. Winds changed direction overnight pushing more smoke into the Highway 73 corridor as well as Whiteriver. Smoke may be more visible today and develop into columns that can be seen some distance from the fire. Weather is expected to cool after today with increased chance of storms and humidity next week.  We remain under pre-evacuation notice at this time.

There is a fire burning around the Vernon area. Highway 60  between mile post 357 to 362 will be closed for at least 40 minutes. Fire crews are on scene with 2 engines and a dozer, and are getting control of it.