GILA COUNTY, Ariz. – Some Gila County residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes due to a wildfire that is burning north of Payson.
What we know:
The Washington Fire was sparked by lightning on Aug. 13 one mile northwest of Washington Park in the Payson Ranger District. The fire has burned 551 acres. Containment is only at 5%.
Smoke from the fire may be visible from State Routes 87 and 260, and surrounding communities, officials said.
The Washington Fire (Craig Miller)
Local perspective:
Mountain Meadows Ranch and Washington Park residents are under “GO” status, meaning they should evacuate immediately.
The following areas are on “SET” status, meaning they should be prepared to evacuate:
- Bray Creek Ranch
- Verde Glen
- Rim Trail Estates
- Shadow Rim Ranch
What they’re saying:
Carl Melford with Gila County’s Office of Emergency Management says a lot of the areas evacuated or told to prepare to evacuate involve rental properties. However, he urges everyone to be ready, just in case.
“Take some time and come up with an actual written list of the things that you need to take with you in an evacuation and keep that in a duffle bag or luggage, so in the case you need to evacuate, that list is on hand to expedite that process,” said Melford.
Meanwhile, camper Rick Walls said he intends to stay out in the wilderness until crews kick him out. He was a few miles away from the smoke.
“They know I’m here,” Walls said.
Arizona’s “Ready, Set, Go!” evacuation status definitions
READY – Prepare Now
Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community.
- Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.
- Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system.
- Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff’s office and public health department on social media.
- Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations.
- Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
- Check with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY.
- Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations
SET – Be Alert
Know there is significant danger in your area.
- Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
- Grab your emergency go kit.
- Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
- Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.
This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.
GO! – Evacuate
Danger in your area is imminent and life-threatening.
- Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
- If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
- Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.
For more information: https://ein.az.gov
Map of area where the fire is burning