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Mescal Fire Daily Update 61021

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Publication Type: News Thu, 06/10/2021 - 12:00

Crews hold fireline, roadways re-open and more residents return home

Mescal Fire Daily Update June 10, 2021

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’

Acres: 72,250 acres Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 36% Total personnel: 542 Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2021 Location: 12 mi SE of Globe, AZ; 7 mi NE of Dripping Springs, AZ Fuels: Desert Brush, Oak, and grass Announcement: State Route 77 between Winkelman to Globe reopened to all traffic Wednesday afternoon. Beverly Hills, T-11 Ranch and the residents of El Capitan living on the east side of Highway 77 were allow to return home yesterday. Overview: Firefighters have consciously worked to protect as much of the important native vegetation as possible for tribal values and native wildlife, while safely working to contain the fire. Crews continue to monitor, patrol and make sure the firelines hold. Multiple firefighting tactics have been necessary to respond to and remove unburned fuels along the fire’s perimeter, including aerial firing of Plastic Sphere Dispensers (PSD), retardant drops and on-the-ground burning. This is due to several factors including the hot and dry temperatures, drought conditions, and the rugged topography of the area. While fire activity is beginning to moderate, a high potential still exists for active to extreme fire behavior. Fire Update: Fire activity on the Mescal Fire has reduced to moderate over the course of the last 24 hours, as fire spread has reached most containment lines. Crews continue to hold and improve containment lines across the affected area. Weather: Hot and dry conditions will continue to support a high potential for a rapid return of active fire behavior. Temperatures will range from the mid-90s to 101 degrees with 11-16 mph sustained winds with extremely low relative humidity of 3%. Evacuation Status Ready, Set, Go: The following communities are now “SET” status, including Beverly Hills and the T 11 Ranch. The communities of El Capitan (East and West of Highway 77), Skill Center, Lower Peridot, South Peridot remain in “SET” status. The communities of San Carlos, Lower Peridot, Peridot South, and Coyote Flats (San Carlos High School area) have returned to a “READY” status. Highway Closures: Highway 70 and State Route 77 are open to all traffic. US 60 (Superior to Miami) and SR 177 (Superior to Winkelman) remain closed for public and firefighter safety due to the Telegraph Fire. For current highway information visit https://az511.gov/. An area closure remains in effect for the fire area. Smoke: Light to at times moderate smoke is occurring this morning primarily from the Telegraph Fire. Lesser smoke is being observed from the Mescal Fire with most ground level smoke lifting between 900-1000 AM. As fire activity increases this afternoon, moderate smoke will push northeast from the Telegraph Fire. This will impact the US 60 corridor from Miami to Globe, especially this afternoon when winds may push smoke more east-northeast. Moderate impacts are expected as smoke settles into the US 60 corridor between Superior and Globe, with lighter impacts in San Carlos and Peridot tonight into Friday. With strong high pressure building into the region, expect a general haze increasing through the weekend. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found at: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Firefighters are also working to protect the communities of San Carlos, Peridot, El Capitan, Drippings Springs, Soda Canyon, Skill Center and Beverly Hills; Mescal and T11 ranches, the powerline supplying San Carlos and Peridot, as well as historic and cultural sites within the fire area. More Information:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7507/

Mescal Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mescal-Fire-Information-101095532201192

Telegraph Mescal Joint Information Center: https://www.facebook.com/JIC.TELEGRAPH.MESCAL

Highway Closure Information: https://az511.gov/

Evacuation Information:

· Gila County Health and Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gilacohealthem/ · San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Public Government-Service/San-Carlos-Apache-Tribe-Emergency-Response-Commission-2515267281822769/

Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke Report: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona

San Carlos Apache Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY

BLM-Arizona Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona

Daily fire map Smoke Outlook 6-10-21

Mescal Fire Evacuation Update

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Publication Type: Announcement Thu, 06/10/2021 - 12:00

The San Carlos Apache Tribal Emergency Response Commission announced that residents of Beverly Hills and T11 ranch areas may return to their property and will remain under "SET" notification. More information: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Road Closure Update

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Publication Type: Announcement Wed, 06/09/2021 - 12:00

WILDFIRE UPDATE: State Route 77 has reopened between Globe and Winkelman.
US 70 from mileposts 256 to 302 is open.

CURRENT WILDFIRE CLOSURES:
▸ US 60: Superior to Miami;
▸ SR 177: Superior to Winkelman.
▸US 180 is closed between mileposts 235 and 248. More Information at: https://www.az511.com/

Mescal Fire Update 6921

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Publication Type: News Wed, 06/09/2021 - 12:00

Crews reinforce firelines and catch spot fire to the west

Mescal Fire Daily Update June 9, 2021

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’

Acres: 70,066 acres Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 33% Total personnel: 610

Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2021 Location: 12 mi SE of Globe, AZ; 7 mi NE of Dripping Springs, AZ Fuels: Desert Brush, Oak, and grass Announcement: US Highway 70 between Globe and Safford reopened to all traffic at 8:00 am. Overview: Firefighters continued to secure and reinforce all fireline perimeters. A spot fire occurred yesterday to the west of the 700 Road which consumed 2400 acres before it was secured. Fire Update: Overall, fire activity continues to decline but resources are ready to respond to any new fires or assist with spot fires caused by current weather conditions and the resulting spread that may occur. Firefighters have been successful at reinforcing line along the north, east, and south perimeters and are now focused on strengthening defenses along the fire’s western edge. Yesterday a spot fire occurred along the western edge just over the fireline being constructed along the 700 Road, igniting 2400 acres of brush. Firefighters were already on scene and immediately moved to suppress the flames. Air resources, including helicopters and air tankers were mobilized helping firefighters on the ground to be able to catch the spot fire. The spot fire caused evacuations in Beverley Hills and T-11 Ranch. Additional dozer lines were built between the new fire perimeter and Beverly Hills to keep fire from reaching these structures. Weather: Weather over the next two days should be relatively consistent between 93-96 F, 5-8% relative humidity, 11-16 mph sustained winds with 28mph gusts. Winds throughout the day are expected to shift from the south in the morning to southwest in early afternoon, and potentially west in the evening. Evacuation Status Ready, Set, Go: Yesterday, the communities of Beverly Hills and the T 11 Ranch were placed in "GO" status. The number of evacuated individuals from these areas is not yet known. The community of East El Capitan (East of Highway 77) remains in "GO" status. The communities of the Soda Canyon and Coyote Flats were placed back into "Set" status and approximately 150 residents were allowed to return to their homes. The Communities of Skill Center, Lower Peridot, South Peridot, West El Capitan (West of Highway 77) remain in "Set" status. Highway 70 and 77 remains closed. The highways are closed for public and firefighter safety. For current highway information visit https://az511.gov/. An area closure remains in effect for the fire area. Highway Closures: The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 77, between Winkelman and US Highway 70, due to smoke and to allow firefighters to travel to and work safely in the area. US Highway 70 between Globe and Safford reopened to all traffic at 8:00 am this morning. Smoke:. Moderate to heavy smoke is occurring this morning primarily from the Telegraph Fire. Lesser smoke is being observed from the Mescal Fire with most ground level smoke lifting between 900-1000 AM. As fire activity increases this afternoon, moderate to heavy smoke will push northeast from the Telegraph Fire. This will impact the US 60 corridor from Miami to Globe, especially this afternoon when winds may push smoke more east-northeast compared to past days. Light to at times moderate smoke will be possible along SR70 from Globe to Peridot. Moderate to heavy smoke impacts are expected as smoke settles into the US 60 corridor between Superior and Globe, with lighter impacts in San Carlos and Peridot tonight into Thursday. .The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found at: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Firefighters are also working to protect the communities of San Carlos, Peridot, El Capitan, Drippings Springs, Soda Canyon, Skill Center and Beverly Hills; Mescal and T11 ranches, the powerline supplying San Carlos and Peridot, as well as historic and cultural sites within the fire area. More Information:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7507/

Mescal Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mescal-Fire-Information-101095532201192

Highway Closure Information: https://az511.gov/

Evacuation Information:

Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke Report: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona

San Carlos Apache Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY

BLM-Arizona Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona

Mescal Fire GO status update 6821

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Publication Type: Announcement Tue, 06/08/2021 - 12:00

Beverly Hills and T11 Ranch are in "GO" Status. More information can be found at Ready, Set, Go.

Mescal Fire Update 6821

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Publication Type: News Tue, 06/08/2021 - 12:00

San Carlos Residents Can Return Home, on “SET” Status

Mescal Fire Daily Update June 8, 2021

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’

Acres: 66,913 acres Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 23% Total personnel: 659

Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2021 Location: 12 mi SE of Globe, AZ; 7 mi NE of Dripping Springs, AZ Fuels: Desert Brush, Oak, and grass Announcement: The community of East El Capitan (East of Highway 77) remains in "GO" status. All San Carlos residents may return home as of 7:00AM Tuesday, June 8, 2021. This includes San Carlos High School Area, all residents along Route 3, Coyote Flats, and Soda Canyon. These communities will return to “SET” status. West El Capitan (West of Highway 77), T 11 Ranch and Beverly Hills are also in "SET" status. Highway 70 remains closed. Highway 77 is temporarily open southbound only for evacuation purposes. An area closure remains in effect for portions of the fire area on federal lands. Overview: While the remote and rugged location of the fire continues to cause challenges to supporting firefighting operations, crews made significant progress across the incident area. Firefighters have been successful in reducing the fire threat to important infrastructure, resources and communities, including San Carlos, Highway 70 and the 700 road. Fire potential continues to exist. Fire Update: The Mescal Fire continues to experience active fire behavior. Aerial operations, including water drops and aerial ignitions assisted crews in closing the gap between containment lines along the 700 Road and unburned fuels within the fire’s interior. Today, crews will continue to patrol along Highway 70 to keep fire from crossing the highway. Crews expect to see fire behavior change from being driving by winds, to moving based on terrain and fuels. Weather: The continued pattern of hot and dry conditions will persist and aid in fire spread through unburned interior pockets of fuel. Maximum temperatures will reach 90 to 93 degrees. Minimum relative humidity values will be 6 to 9 percent. Winds will be terrain driven to south-southeast at 3 to 8 mph through mid-morning, becoming southwest at 6 to 11 mph by late morning and then increasing to 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon. Evacuation Status Ready, Set, Go: The following communities are in “GO” status and evacuation orders have been issued: · Residents of El Capitan living on the east side of State Route 77 The following communities remain in “SET” and should get prepared and alert for updates:
· San Carlos High School Area (Coyote Flats) · Soda Canyon · Lower Peridot · Skill Center · Peridot South · T11 Ranch · Beverly Hills · El Capitan west of State Route 77
Highway Closures: The Arizona Department of Transportation has re-opened State Route 77 from 8 am to 8 pm for south -bound traffic only, between Globe and Winkelman. US Highway 70, remains open to light traffic (no semis), which is being rerouted around the fire area. Smoke: Moderate to heavy smoke is occurring this morning primarily from the Telegraph Fire. Lesser smoke is being observed from the Mescal Fire, with most ground level smoke lifting between 9:00-10:00 AM. As fire activity increases, moderate to heavy smoke will push northeast from the Telegraph Fire. Highway Safety Message: Smoke from the Telegraph fire will impact the US 60 corridor from Miami to Globe, especially this afternoon when winds may push smoke more east-northeast compared to past days. Light to at times moderate smoke will be possible along SR70 from Globe to Peridot. It will not be nearly as bad as past days, due to a decrease in fire activity. Moderate to heavy smoke impacts are expected as smoke settles into the US 60 corridor between Superior and Globe, with lighter impacts in San Carlos and Peridot tonight into Wednesday. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found at: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Firefighters are also working to protect the communities of San Carlos, Peridot, El Capitan, Drippings Springs, Soda Canyon, Skill Center and Beverly Hills; Mescal and T11 ranches, the powerline supplying San Carlos and Peridot, as well as historic and cultural sites within the fire area. More Information:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7507/

Mescal Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mescal-Fire-Information-101095532201192

Highway Closure Information: https://az511.gov/

Evacuation Information:

Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke Report: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona

San Carlos Apache Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY

BLM-Arizona Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona

Mescal Fire Evacuation Update 6821

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Publication Type: Announcement Tue, 06/08/2021 - 12:00

The following communities are being allowed to return home - San Carlos High School Area, All residents along Route 3, Coyote Flats, and Soda Canyon. All will return to "Set" (residents of El Capitan living east of Hwy 77 remain in Go). And Hwy 77 will be reopened from 8 am to 8 pm only for evacuees/residents (southbound traffic only).

Mescal Daily Update June 7 2021

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Publication Type: News Mon, 06/07/2021 - 12:00

Mescal Fire Daily Update June 7, 2021
Crews working to prevent Mescal Fire from crossing US Highway 70

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’

Acres: 52,887 acres Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 8% Total personnel: 672
Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2021 Location: 12 mi SE of Globe, AZ; 7 mi NE of Dripping Springs, AZ  Fuels: Desert Brush, Oak, and grass

Announcement: There will be a virtual community meeting tonight, Monday, June 7, 2021, at 7:00 pm. This will be broadcast live on the Mescal Fire Information Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Mescal-Fire-Information-101095532201192

Overview: Firefighters made progress today building and reinforcing fireline, despite the continued hot and dry weather. Extreme fire behavior continues to dictate how and where firefighters can safely build line to protect the communities, and powerline. The fire is very visible at night as it moves down the north side of Hog Mountain. Firefighters have plans in place to prevent the fire from reaching Highway 70. Fire Update: Extreme fire activity occurred again on Sunday and can be expected to continue. Firefighters have been reinforcing line along Route 3 down to the Gila River to protect the Soda Canyon Community. Crews also worked along the 624 Road out to Highway 70 and have begun to burn along the Highway moving west toward Cutter in an effort to prevent the fire from crossing the Highway. Fire is slowly backing down the ridge toward Mescal Ranch, and firefighters are prepared to prevent the fire from reaching the structures on the private property. Crews worked on the 700 Road as well as the 735 Road near El Capitan to prevent fire from moving west toward the structures on the east side of Highway 77. Firefighters will also be working to hold the 700 Road north of 732 Road to prevent the fire from moving back toward the west. Air tankers and helicopters are being utilized extensively to support firefighters on the ground as needed. Crews are still protecting the powerline.

Weather: High, thin clouds will move across the area, and winds will change to a more southwesterly flow typical for this time of year. Winds will be out of the southwest, increasing to 12 – 17 mph, with afternoon gusts of up to 30 mph. Fire whirls and runs were seen on the fire Sunday, and these conditions are expected to continue.

Evacuation Status Ready, Set, Go: The following communities are in “Go” status and evacuation orders have been issued: ·         San Carlos High School Area (Coyote Flats) ·         Soda Canyon ·         Residents of El Capitan living on the east side of State Route 77
The following communities are in “SET” and should get prepared and alert for updates:
·         Lower Peridot ·         Skill Center ·         Peridot South ·         T11 Ranch ·         Beverly Hills ·         El Capitan west of State Route 77

Highway Closures: The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 77, between Winkelman and US Highway 70, due to smoke and to allow firefighters to travel to and work safely in the area. US Highway 70 reopened this morning to light traffic (no semis), which is being rerouted around the fire area.

Smoke: Moderate to heavy smoke is occurring this morning near the Mescal and Telegraph Fires. Most ground level smoke will lift by 1100 AM. As fire activity increases, moderate to heavy smoke will push northeast. This will impact Peridot/San Carlos today. This will also impact any communities along US 70 between Cutter and Bylas. A second area of heavy smoke will impact areas along US 60 between Superior, Miami, Claypool, and Globe. Light smoke is likely well northeast of the area into Northeast Arizona and Northwest New Mexico. Heavy smoke impacts are expected as smoke settles into the US 60 corridor between Superior and Globe, as well as San Carlos and Peridot tonight into Tuesday. Smoke patterns will be similar to yesterday with moderate to heavy impacts for communities immediately northeast of the fires.

Highway Safety Message Expect moderate to heavy smoke on roadways with visibility below one mile at times. Motorists are urged to use caution around and downwind of the fire area. Impacted Highways - US 70/60, SR 77/177. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found at: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona

Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Firefighters are also working to protect the communities of San Carlos, Peridot, El Capitan, Drippings Springs, Soda Canyon, Skill Center and Beverly Hills; Mescal and T11 ranches, the powerline supplying San Carlos and Peridot, as well as historic and cultural sites within the fire area.

More Information:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7507/

Mescal Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mescal-Fire-Information-101095532201192

Highway Closure Information: https://az511.gov/

Evacuation Information:

Gila County Health and Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gilacohealthem/
San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Public Government-Service/San-Carlos-Apache-Tribe-Emergency-Response-Commission-2515267281822769/

Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke Report: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona

San Carlos Apache Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY

BLM-Arizona Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona

6/7/21 Map update Smoke outlook map

Mescal Fire Afternoon Update

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Publication Type: News Sun, 06/06/2021 - 12:00

Crews working on the north edge of the fire are conducting firing operations along highway 70 to bring fire along 70 to the 700/600 junction south of Cutter. Crews on the west side of the fire are prepping the 700 road for firing operations overnight. Crews on the southwest edge are going direct on the fire around El Capitan Mountain. Crews on the southeast are conducting firing operations around the Soda Canyon area to reduce the pockets of fuels that remain.
drop point 95, 6/5

Brush fires close three Arizona highways

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Publication Type: Announcement Sun, 06/06/2021 - 12:00

PHOENIX – US 60 is closed in both directions between Superior and Top-of-The-World, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The closure (between mileposts 227 and 239) is due to the continuing brush fire situation

Motorists should also be advised that State Routes 77 and 177 remain closed. SR 77 is closed in both directions between the SR 177 junction in Winkelman and US 70 in Globe. SR 177 is closed in both directions between the SR 77 junction in Winkelman and US 60 in Superior.

US 70 is closed to semis, light traffic is being routed through San Carlos.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

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