SIT REP 6 — JUNE 10, 2021 — 2055 PT
We are combining the two incidents together, due to the ICP holding joint briefings for both wildfires.
MESCAL FIRE
Incident Summary
The MESCAL FIRE started on Monday, June 1, 2021, and is located about 12 miles southeast of Globe and seven miles northeast of Dripping Springs, Arizona.
The cause of this wildfire is unknown. It is under investigation.
Current Status
Fire behavior has been reduced to moderate with single-tree torching.
Fire spread has reached most containment lines and crews are continually working to hold and improve the lines.
However, there is a still a high potential for increased fire behavior from moderate to more of active or to extreme.
Fire weather is being forecasted to include continued high, dry and windy conditions with temps in the mid-90’s to as high as 101 degrees. Winds are expected to be sustained at 11-16 mph and the RH to drop to 3%. These are ripe conditions for a firestorm status.
Residents who live in Beverly Hills, on the south side of US 70 and T11 ranch areas were allowed to return to their homes but were still said to be under the SET – Be Alert status.
The fire has destroyed 72,250 acres of desert brush, oak and grass. Fire crews have successfully reached a 36% containment.
Resources
There are about 542 total personnel assigned to this incident.
Evacuation Shelters
The communities of San Carlos, Lower Peridot, Peridot South, and Coyote Flats (San Carlos High School area) have returned to a “BE READY” status.
Evacuation Shelters are still open according to the San Carlos Apache Tribe presser.
- High Desert Middle School – accepts pets.
- Apache Gold Casino Convention Center and Pavilion – accepts pets.
- Apache Gold Casino RV Park – accepting from both TELEGRAPH and MESCAL Fires.
- Temporary Shelter Phone Number – 928.475.2008.
Damages/Losses
There have not been any reported damages or loss of structures.
However, the total cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment costs have reached a whopping $7.7 Million Dollars.
TELEGRAPH FIRE
Incident Summary
The TELEGRAPH FIRE was detected on June 4, 2021 around 1330 hours MST/PT.
The human-caused wildfire which originated south of Superior, is now located about 1.5 miles from Top-of-the-World, Arizona.
Current Status
Fire behavior is extreme and has been deemed a fast-moving and dynamic fire.
Fire has established itself on both sides of Bobtail Ridge, atop of Pinal Mountain.
The West side (ridge) has fire steadily backing through pine stringers in Mill Creek.
On the East side, fire is slowly backing through brush downslope towards Pioneer Basin.
Currently, the fire has destroyed 85,901 acres of grass and shrub. Fire crews have a 40% containment on this firestorm. Fire Officials estimate full containment will be reached on June 20, 2021.
Operations
Structure protection is in effect for Top-of-the-World, Superior, Claypool, Miami and Globe. Crews are also focusing on keeping the fire south of US 60, as they also continue to provide protection for private and public assets.
Resources and Incident Cooperators
There are about 914 total personnel assigned to this incident.
The Incident Commander, also known as the IC is Bales, with the SW Area Type 1 IMT. They assumed command on Sunday early morning.
Incident Cooperators are agencies that work with the ICP in providing crucial information about assets, resources and ways they can partner with Command. They also provide vital information to their impacted communities/public and customers.
There are many faces that fill each position which represent the following agency, organization and/or business. They use their expertise, skills and training to the best of their abilities and deserve recognition for their role.
- Animal Services — Gila County Animal Control,
- Emergency Management – Gila County OEM, Pinal County EOM,
- Fire — US Fire Administration, AZ DOF, Coconino NF, Globe FD, Superior FD, Superstition Fire and Medical District.
- Government — City of Globe, Gila County, GC Board of Supervisors, Town of Miami.
- Human Services — American Red Cross.
- Law Enforcement — AZ Dept. of Public Safety, Gila County SO, Miami PD, Pinal County SO,
- Mining — BHP Mining, Capstone Mining Corp., Carlota Copper Company, Freeport-McMoRan Copper, Resolution Copper Mine,
- Transportation — AZ DOT.
- Utilities — AZ Public Service Electric, CenturyLink Communications, Salt River Project Power and Water.
Evacuations
Evacuations are in effect.
Shelter(s) Information
Shelter information is listed below for pets, their people, and livestock.
Humans – Red Cross shelters open.
- High Desert High School (Globe).
- Skyline High School (Mesa).
Livestock Shelters
- Birch Stockyard, 2822 n Highway 188 (Globe) – Large animals.
- Apache Junction Rodeo Grounds – Large animals.
Evacuation Updates
- Pinal County Sheriff Office. https://www.facebook.com/PinalCountySO
Damages/Losses
There have been 20 structures damaged or destroyed. Cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment costs have soared to $5.1 Million Dollars.
(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog
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