#WallowFire Final Update from Wallow Fire Area Command

Final Wallow Fire Update

from Wallow Fire Area Command

Day 35

July 4, 2011 

                          

Fire Facts:

Location:  - Apache, Navajo, Graham, and Greenlee, Counties, Arizona;  Catron County, New Mexico	Injuries to Date: 16
Fort Apache Indian Reservation,  San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation	Total Personnel: 579 Includes 0 hotshot crews; 8 handcrews
Date Started: 05/29/2011 Cause: Human – under investigation	Residences: 32 destroyed; 5 damaged
Size:  538,049 acres total; 15,407 acres in N.M.	Commercial Property: 4 destroyed
Percent Contained: 95% Resources: 2 Helicopter;    26 Engines; 10 Water Tenders; 9 Dozers	Outbuildings: 36 destroyed; 1 damaged Vehicles: 1 destroyed

Since the Wallow fire started on May 29, 2011 the fire suppression and repair activities have been managed by a series of fire teams from throughout the United States.  Due to the great work these teams and all of the other resources assigned to the fire have done, the fire was previously turned back to the White Mountain Apache Tribe and will be turned back to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on July 5, 2011 to continue patrolling, mopping up and repairing areas of the fire damaged by fire suppression activities.  For further information contact:

·         Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at 928-333-6263 or go to their web site at http://tinyurl.com/6fzvyax.

·         White Mountain Apache Tribe at 928-338 2502 or go to their web site at http://www.wmat.us.

Giving the management responsibilities back to the forests does not mean the fire is completely out.  Smoke may continue to be visible from interior fuels burning until a season ending rain event occurs.

Today both Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) crews and fire crews continue to remove woody debris from the East and West forks of the Little Colorado River.  Hazard tree removal continues on FR 81 in Auger Canyon, which was severely burned. “Feller-buncher” machinery and saw teams are removing dead trees that could fall across the road. The trees are placed in piles for removal at a later time.                       

High pressure over the area will continue to feed moisture into the region.   Moisture is moving over southern Apache and Navajo counties and will have the best chance for thunderstorm activity. These thunderstorms may create localized flash flooding particularly within or adjacent to the burn area.  Take appropriate precautions if a thunderstorm occurs in your vicinity.  Today’s temperatures will range from 76-85 degrees with 4-8 mph southwest wind.  Relative humidity will be near 20%.  There is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Special Information:

·          Fourth of July fireworks at Sunrise Ski Area and Resort are cancelled.

·         Though the sale of ground and hand-held fireworks and their use in some locations is now legal in Arizona, please remember, fireworks are not permitted on public lands at any time.

·         The July 4^th weekend is upon us and besides the hazards presented by elk and other wildlife on the roads and highways be aware of heavy holiday traffic in the area.  Watch your speed and drive defensively.  Remember that the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is asking that speed be held down to a maximum of 50 mph during dusk to dawn and at night.  

·         An Individual Assistance Service Center (IASC) is available for all evacuated Arizonans to access information to assist in their personal recovery from the fire. It is located at the Round Valley Public Library, 179 S Main, Eagar, Ariz. The hours of operation are: Tuesday through Thursday, July 5-7th 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and July 8th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  The facility will be closed Monday, July 4th.

WALLOW FIRE NOTICES

Road Closures -  Due to heavy fire suppression and repair activities the following roads are closed to the public:

·         US 191 (the Coronado Trail) is closed between Alpine to north of Clifton (milepost 176-253).

·         SR 261 (to Big Lake) and SR 273 (between Big Lake and Reservation Lake), remain closed.

·         Forest Road 281 is closed two miles south of its junction with US 180 but is open beyond this point to residences only.

Closures and Restrictions:

·         All Forest Service and private commercial facilities inside the road closures are not available to the public.

·         San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation: Fire Restrictions and area closures remain in effect.

·         Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Closures and Open Areas.  Due to continued fire activity and the unprecedented levels of dry forest fuel along with dry weather, conditions exist for extreme fire danger necessitating closure of most of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Please go to the following web site for the most complete information:  http://tinyurl.com/6yflpfu.

·         For information on closures and restrictions for all public lands in Arizona go to the Public Lands Information Center web site at http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php  or call their hotline at  (877) 864-6985.

·         Gila National Forest: A closure is in effect for the western portion of the Gila National Forest.  Call (575) 388-8201, TTY (575) 388-8497 or see http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila.

·         Fort Apache Indian Reservation:  Partial area closures are in effect for the eastside of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. See http://www.wmat.nsn.us/.

Public Safety:   Please be aware that flooding is likely in those areas adjacent to high severity burned areas.  This may affect many of the same people who evacuated their homes in the early days of the Wallow Fire.  There is concern about roads, bridges, and culverts holding up through flooding events.  It is important to be alert and keep informed on what you can do to protect your homes and property.  While private land issues are within the County’s purview, here are some links that could be helpful to begin preparations:

·         NOAA National Weather Service: http://tinyurl.com/29fnj35 - for monitoring for flooding predictions and sign up to get      

·          e-mail alerts

·         County emergency information: http://593info.org – this web site is applicable for southern Apache and Navajo Counties.

·         For county specific information go the following web sites:  http://www.co.apache.az.us/ (Apache Co., Ariz.), http://www.co.greenlee.az.us/ (Greenlee Co., Ariz.), and  https://mylocalgov.com/catroncountynm/ (Catron Co., N.Mex.)

·         Occupational Health and Safety Administration: http://tinyurl.com/3uuxu3h - information on how to fill, and carry sandbags in a safe manner.

·         Information on flood property protection:  http://tinyurl.com/6hfues3

·         A Crisis Intervention Line (928) 333-2683 is available for residents suffering from the stress of living with fire danger. 

·         For more safety information see:  http://tinyurl.com/6zvcrck.

·         Apache County and local fire departments have begun identifying locations for staging of sandbags in anticipation of the monsoon season.  More information will be provided as locations are confirmed.

·         Information and assistance for damaged homes and small businesses can be accessed at this link: http://tinyurl.com/6a94bk5.

#WallowFire - Catron County news release Commissioner Griffin

#WallowFire - Catron County news release Commissioner Glyn Griffin

Contact:  Glyn Griffin, District 2 (Reserve/Luna)                                    

Catron County Commission

PO Box 507, Reserve NM  87830

(575) 533-6423                                                                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        

CATRON COUNTY SAYS MULTIPLE USE CAN SAVE OUR FORESTS

Catastrophic wildfires like the Wallow Fire can be avoided

RESERVE, N.M.  June 15, 2011.  When the half-million acre Wallow Fire jumped across the state line into Catron County, fire teams were poised and ready.  They had several days to prepare fire lines and fire breaks, and the fire personnel were fresh and eager to hold this fire from consuming the communities and environment of the Gila National Forest.

“We are a big county with a small population,” Griffin said.  “The emergency measures we had to take in order to protect our citizens and to provide for the fire people were a heavy burden for us.”  The county seat of Reserve, population under 600, has been hosting fire evacuees and hundreds of fire related contractors, service providers, and member of the press as well as people just coming to look.   

“Fires like this are hard on us over and above the strain on our own fire and emergency services people,” Griffin said.  “Here in rural America we have lived with the land for generations and, contrary to what people seem to want to believe, we are good stewards of the forests and grasslands.  We have to be, because we all expect our children and grandchildren, and their children, to earn their living directly or indirectly through our natural resources.”

“I think we can put a good part of the responsibility for this fire on the environmental groups that have blocked forest restoration, logging and grazing for so long,” Griffin said.  “There have always been fires in the forest- that’s natural and healthy.  But ever since this system of forest management by environmental lawsuit took over from management by forest science and common sense, we have these giant, forest destroying wildfires.  We watch the future of our children and the habitat of so much wildlife going up in smoke.” 

The Forest Service has practiced preservation-oriented, rather than multiple-use forest management for decades.  Almost ten years ago the Rodeo-Chediski fire destroyed as many acres as the Wallow in Arizona, and in Catron County, too, catastrophic wildfires have torched tens of thousands of acres old growth forest and destroyed endangered species habitat.

“The irony is that those protected species were all doing pretty well under multiple-use forest management strategies,” Griffin said.  “Now that there is no place for them to live at all, you have to wonder just what all that preservation was for.”

The Catron County Commission wishes to express its appreciation for the outstanding effort by the Glenwood Gazette and publisher Gale Moore in providing timely and vital emergency information about the Wallow Fire for Catron County residents.  The Gazette’s blog, gazetteonline.blogspot.com, was maintained by Lif Strand from almost the first day of the fire.  The contribution of volunteers in times of emergency is invaluable, and the Gazette stepped up to the plate to fill a vital need during the Wallow Fire.   Thank you, Glenwood Gazette. -GGriffin

# # #

#WallowFire Note from blogmaster

#WallowFire Note from blogmaster

Today will be the final day that this blog will be updated.  The blog has been a volunteer effort on your blogmaster's part, and she has to go back to earning a living.

I appreciate the support I have received putting this blog together.  Tonight I will post a list of people I want to thank for the support I have received.  I hope I don't forget anyone, but it's been so hectic that I know I will miss some names and for that I apologize in advance.

I am gratified that people have found the information on this blog useful.  To be quite honest, aside from local input, getting information out of "official" (not local people) sources has become more and more difficult as the fire has gone on and I'm disgusted and angered about that.  I was told just yesterday that the command level emergency people who came in to take everything over determined that fire information was "confidential" until released by "official" sources.

Official sources have had delays of half a day or more in some circumstances!  The info hotline people I worked with have been gracious and apologetic about the info delays, but they have had no control.  The people in command are the ones who decided about confidentiality.  When it is your life and that of your loved ones on the line, when it's your home and your property at stake, no information about a fire should be confidential.  In my non-legal opinion, withholding timely information is a criminal act.

If you think it is important for this kind of local and immediate information to be available in times of emergency, please contact your county commissioners and your state and federal legislators.   Thank you for reading this blog.

#WallowFire - post-fire flood insurance

#WallowFire - post-fire flood insurance

Submitted by Ken Claridge

From personal experience – Most flood insurances are only covered in the event you actually live in a “flood plain”. After the flood on the Gila River in 1978, my brother and I plus several other members of my family received government loans based on losses from this flood. One of the stipulations of the load was that you were required to purchase flood insurance. 

Shortly after, my brother married and moved to Morenci, AZ. He lived a couple thousand feet above the river level. We had a storm that dumped four and three quarters of an inch of rain in less than an hour and the run off from that flooded his house situated on a steep hill. The insurance adjuster told him that the insurance was not valid in that instance because he didn’t live in a flood plain. 

People should verify with their insurance agency they will be covered where they are purchasing the insurance for prior to laying out any cash for something that may be absolutely useless and a waste of their money.

#WallowFire IR flyover map from 06/12/11 11:16PM MDT

#WallowFire IR flyover map from 06/12/11 11:16PM MDT
Click on map to enlarge

According to the IR flyover at 2316 hrs. MDT, the burned area has reached 452,155 acres.

#WallowFire InciWeb morning update 06/13/11

#WallowFire InciWeb morning update 06/13/11

• Size: 443,989 acres total
• Percent Contained: 10%
• Total Personnel: 4,311
• Includes 24 hotshot crews; 84 hand crews
• Injuries to Date: 7
• Residences: 2,714 threatened; 29 destroyed; 5 damaged
• Commercial Property: 473 threatened; 4 destroyed
• Resources: 15 Helicopters, 5 Air Tankers available; 334 Engines; 66 Water Tenders; 27 Dozers
• Outbuildings: 1,216 threatened; 35 destroyed; 1 damaged; 
• Vehicles: 1 destroyed.

Fire Update
The fire is 10% contained. Currently the fire is not threatening Eagar and Springerville area. On the eastern side of the fire, fire behavior was moderate. Today's activities include mop-up and hazard tree removal in the Alpine, Nutrioso, and Tal Wi Wi areas. Mop-up is underway in the South Fork area following the burnout operation conducted last night. Burnout operations were completed along FR 220 south to US 180, northwest of Luna, NM.

On the east side of the fire, efforts by firefighters to burn out remaining fuels between the containment lines and the fire have been successful. Firefighters completed a burnout operation in the Turkey Creek drainage and are building a containment line to the intersection of Highway 281 and the Blue River. Line construction is continuing along the Blue River. Containment lines in the vicinity of Greer are being widened.

On the western and southern side of the fire, firefighters made good progress widening and holding existing control lines and are beginning mop-up in areas north of the Black River. Firelines immediately south of the Black River are holding. Crews are constructing approximately 10 miles of indirect line along the fire's south end.

#WallowFire: June 12, 2011 6:00 P.M.

#WallowFire:  June 12, 2011 6:00 P.M.
Location: Apache, Navajo, Graham, and Greenlee Counties, Arizona; Catron County, New Mexico
Size: 443,989 acres total
Percent Contained: 10%
Resources: 15 Helicopters, 5 Air Tankers available;
334 Engines; 66 Water Tenders; 27 Dozers
Injuries to Date: 7
Total Personnel: 4,311
Includes 24 hotshot crews; 84 hand crews
Residences: 2,714 threatened; 29 destroyed; 5 damaged
Commercial Property: 473 threatened; 4 destroyed
Outbuildings: 1,216 threatened; 35 destroyed; 1 damaged;
Vehicles: 1 destroyed.

Fire Update

The fire is 10% contained. Currently the fire is not threatening the Eagar and Springerville area. On the eastern side of the fire, fire behavior was moderate. Today’s activities included mop-up and hazard tree removal in the Alpine, Nutrioso, and Tal Wi Wi areas. Mop-up is underway in the South Fork area following the burnout operation conducted last night. Burnout operations were completed along FR 220 south to US 180, northwest of Luna, NM.

On the east side of the fire, efforts by firefighters to burn out remaining fuels between the containment lines and the fire have been successful. Firefighters completed a burnout operation in the Turkey Creek drainage and are building a containment line to the intersection of Highway 281 and the Blue River. Line construction is continuing along the Blue River. Containment lines in the vicinity of Greer are being widened.

On the western and southern side of the fire, firefighters made good progress widening and holding existing control lines and are beginning mop-up in areas north of the Black River. Firelines immediately south of the Black River are holding. Crews are constructing approximately 10 miles of indirect line along the fire’s south end.

Public Safety

With re-entry to Springerville, Eagar and South Fork, returning residents may encounter dangerous conditions. Be aware of possible health-related issues, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Air quality could continue to be a concern; afternoons tend to be better, and short-duration returns are recommended. People with health issues should only return if absolutely necessary. For more information visit, www.azein.gov


Community Meetings Tomorrow, June 13
Burdette Hall in San Carlos, AZ. 10 A.M.
White Mountain Apache Tribal Council Chambers in White River, AZ. 6 P.M.
Community Center in Reserve, NM. 7 P.M. MST

Road Closures according to Arizona Department of Transportation: http://www.azdot.gov

State Route 260 remains closed from Horseshoe Lake to South Fork Junction (milepost 390).
State Routes 261, 273, and 373 remain closed.
U.S. 180 from Springerville to the New Mexico State Line remains closed.
U.S. 191 is closed between Alpine and north of Clifton (mileposts 176 – 253).

Road Openings
U.S. 60 is now open.

#WallowFire Smoke Monitoring Report‐ 6‐12‐11

#WallowFire Smoke Monitoring Report‐ 6‐12‐11
Based on 24 hours of data ending at 0700 on 6‐12‐11.
Contact: Josh Hall, Forest Service 505‐438‐5319

Monitored data near the fire was Moderate to Hazardous in Springerville, St.Johns, Quemado, and Reserve. Springerville had the worst conditions which appear to be improving this morning, though there is some discrepancies between monitors as to the magnitude of impacts. Again the Upper Rio Grande Valley in Santa Fe and Taos had mostly Good conditions yesterday. Albuquerque had Moderate air quality yesterday with an increase overnight, but conditions are currently improving. In the South, monitors in Deming had elevated levels in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range again yesterday.

AZ monitors:
Show Low PM 2.5‐
Overall PM 2.5 levels have been Good, typically below 10 ug/m3 through 6am today. The current running average for 8 hours ending at 0600 was 5.5 ug/m3 (Good) and 24 hours at 4 ug/m3 (Good). Current 1 hour values at 2 ug/m3 at 0600.

Springerville‐
There continues to be high levels of PM 2.5 in Springerville, with 1 hour, 8 hour, and 24 hour averages in the Hazardous ranges overnight. The current running average for 8 hours ending at 0600 was 422 ug/m3 (Hazardous) and 24 hours at 255 ug/m3 (Hazardous). Current 1 hour values at 278 ug/m3 at 0900. The 2nd monitor in Springerville set up at 1930 yesterday, has measured values less than the ADEQ monitor.  Overnight they ranged between 100 and 215 ug/m3, with the 8 hour average peak of 141 ug/m3 (Unhealthy)at 0430.

St. Johns‐
Yesterday afternoon the day PM 2.5 levels were good, typically below 10 ug/m3. However concentrations have increased overnight, beginning at 0200. The 8 hour average ending at 0700 was 78 ug/m3 (Unhealthy). The 1 hour average at 0700 was 168 ug/m3 (Unhealthy).

NM monitors‐

Reserve‐
Yesterday after a smoky morning with elevated values between 122 to 164 ug/m3 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy) until 1000, smoke decreased significantly. Measured PM 2.5 since 1300 yesterday have typically been below 10 ug/m3 (Good). There has been an increase in PM 2.5 beginning at 0400. Current 8 hour average ending at 0800 is 18 ug/m3 (Good), and the 1 hour average ending at 0800 is 47 ug/m3 (Moderate).

Quemado‐
Concentrations were elevated from the day before with levels in the Unhealthy for Sensitive  groups throughout most of the day and evening. The 24 hour average ending at 0800 was 53 ug/m3, with a peak of 117 ug/m3 at 1700. Overnight the levels have improved with an 8 hour average of 31 ug/m3 (Moderate) ending at 0800.

Grants‐
Levels yesterday and this morning were Good with most values below 10 ug/m3. There were slightly elevated levels yesterday afternoon for four hours from 1500 to 1900 that peaked at 47 ug/m3. The current running average for 8 hours ending at 0800 was 3 ug/m3 (Good) and the 24 hour average is 11 ug/m3 (Good).

Silver City‐
Silver City Monitor will be back up today. Observers noted that this morning conditions were very good, with good visibility and no indications of smoke. “One of the better mornings we’ve had in a while”.

Navajo Lake‐
PM 2.5 levels below 10 ug/m3 over last 24 hours and into the morning. Visibility increased from the day before from 166 km yesterday morning to 220 km this morning at 0600. The high 8 hour average yesterday was .068 ppm, with peak at 0900 of .072 ppm. Current levels are lower at .025 ppm at 0600.

Los Lunas
PM 2.5 levels yesterday before 1900 were Good to Moderate, generally below 20 ug/m3. PM 2.5 began increasing at 1900 with values ranging from 59 to 88 ug/m3 for 3‐4 hours. Values have decreased overnight, with the current 8 hour average ending at 0700 less than 10 ug/m3. The 24 hour average ending at 0700 was 20 ug/m3 (Moderate). At 0700 the 1 hour average was 14.7 ug/m3 (Good). Ozone levels peaked at .070 ppm at 1100 with high 8 hour average at 1700 of .065 ppm.

Santa Fe Runnels
PM 2.5 levels Good yesterday & into the morning. There was a period 7 hour period of levels between 15 and 20 ug/m3 from 1800 to 0000 this morning. Conditions are currently Good with the 1 hour average ending at 0700 of 1 ug/m3. The 8 hour and 24 hour averages ending at 0700 are 6.3 and 10.2 ug/m3 respectively.

Santa Fe Airport
PM 2.5 levels were Good yesterday & into the morning. There was a period 7 hour period of levels between 15 and 20 ug/m3 from 1800 to 0000 this morning. Conditions are currently Good with the 1 hour average ending at 0700 of 5.1 ug/m3. The 8 hour and 24 hour averages ending at 0700 are 7.5 and 10.1 ug/m3 respectively. Ozone peaked yesterday at 1200 with a value of 0.060ppm with a high 8 hour average of 0.058 at 1700.

Taos
PM 2.5 levels Good yesterday & into the morning. Levels were typically below 10 ug/m3 yesterday & this morning, except for a 7 hour period with values between 10 and 17 ug/m3 between 1900 and 0100 this morning. Measured value at 0700 was 3.8 ug/m3.

Deming‐ PM 10
PM 10 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy yesterday, improving this morning to Moderate. The 24 hour average this morning was approximately 55 ug/m3. Values began increasing at 1500 through 2200, from 70 to 130 ug/m3, when they began to decrease. The 8 hour average ending at 0700 was 39.1 ug/m3 (Moderate). PM 10 at 0700 was 52.6 ug/m3. Ozone peaked at 0.056 ppm at 1800, with the highest 8 hour average at 1500 of 0.048 ppm.

Albuquerque
Conditions in Albuquerque were Moderate yesterday and this morning. PM 2.5 values were typically between 15 and 35 ug/m3 for most of the day. There was an increase beginning at 2000 with monitored values between 50 and 75 ug/m3 through 0300. Concentrations are decreasing with current levels between 8 and 20 ug/m3 at 0700. The 8 and 24 hour averages peaked at 45 and 32 ug/m3 respectively. Ozone peaked yesterday at 0.072 ppm with the high eight hour average for ozone of 0.069 ppm ending at 1700.

#WallowFire SITREP Morning Cooperators Meeting Eagar AZ 06/12/110800-0835 Hrs. AZ time

#WallowFire SITREP Morning Cooperators Meeting Eagar AZ 06/12/110800-0835 Hrs. AZ time

• The Fire crews had an excellent day yesterday.
• The late winds yesterday actually helped because they blew the smoke out for operations and pushed the line back in.
• They burned on dozer and hand line in the Greer area to get rid of fuel and strengthen their defensive operations.
• The VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) was able to make 2 runs yesterday in the Greer area.
• There is still a full compliment of personnel in the Greer and South Fork areas doing clean up and defense work.
• Today’s winds will be a big test and will be watched closely on all areas of the fire.
• Eagar and along the highway going to Nurtioso is secured and holding.
• They will start Suppression Rehabilitation along the Eagar line tomorrow.
• In Nutrioso they finished the last of the burnout last night and are doing mop-up operations for defense.
• The long burn piece going into Luna NM was stopped at JJ then brought south to Hwy. 180.
• The portion surrounding TalWiWi AZ had some fire making some runs into the interior so they did aerial ignitions last night that are completed and the area is currently holding.
• They were able to run the large helicopter buckets along the dozer lines of the AZ/NM border all day yesterday to strengthen that line.
• Eagar Police Chief Mike Hogan stressed that the re-entry into the Round Valley will be with one instantaneous notice of 1-2 hours warning.  This way the evacuees around various parts of the state will be returning at random times, avoiding waiting lines and congestion coming into town.  He also stressed that everyone returning take it easy so that we don’t have accidents to deal with on top of the re-entry.  There has been no order to rescind the evacuation yet - the determination for re-entry will be largely determined by the winds the next couple of days and the amount of fuel at the fire lines.
• Utilities will be going into Nutrioso and Alpine today to start their survey’s of damage to the Electrical and Phone system, get repairs planned, etc.
• There will be two public meetings today
•     The Evacuation Center at 1000 hrs.
•     The Pinetop High School at 1800 hrs.

#WallowFire - R. Torres report from Reserve: Fire still not in NM 6:43 PM

Richard Torres report from Reserve: Fire still not in NM 6:43 PM

Sean Johnson, Public Information Officer for Incident Team based in Reserve stated at 4:55 PM NM, "As of this time the Wallow Fire has not crossed the State line. We are in constant contact with Operations, and this is the latest. "

Backfire operations continue when conditions permit and these preventative fires may show on an IR map. The finger of fire that can be seen on last night's IR map in New Mexico to the southeast of Escudilla Mountain is a burn out line by fire teams.  This line of fire is therefore NOT part of the Wallow Fire; as of 6:43 this afternoon it has been reconfirmed that the fire is still being held at the state line.

#WallowFire Hwy 60 road closure update

#WallowFire Hwy 60 road closure update

People who live between Quemado and the state line, and who use US 60 to get where they're going should be prepared to be stopped at a road block west of Quemado by law enforcement officials.  If you do not live or have legitimate business west of the road block, you will not be allowed to proceed.

#WallowFire progression focus maps 06/11/11 based on 06/10/11 PM flyover

#WallowFire progression focus maps 06/11/11 based on 06/10/11 PM flyover
Click on a map to enlarge

NW focus map based on 06/10/11 PM flyover

NE focus map based on 06/10/11 PM flyover

E focus map based on 06/10/11 PM flyover

S focus map based on 06/10/11 PM flyover

W focus map based on 06/10/11 PM flyover

#WallowFire Progression map (based on 06/10/11 PM flyover)

#WallowFire Progression map (based on 06/10/11 PM flyover)
Click on map to enlarge

#WallowFire Air Quality

#WallowFire Air Quality

Health conditions worsen as Arizona wildfire spreads - soot and particles in the air "off the charts" says Mark Shaffer of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/health-conditions-worsen-as-arizona-wildfire-spreads-2296284.html

#WallowFire SITREP Morning Cooperators Meeting Eagar AZ 06/11/11

SITREP Morning Cooperators Meeting Eagar AZ 06/11/11
Reported by Doyel Shamley from Eagar

• We are at 6% containment in the North Zone.
• Last analysis of total acreage burned is at 410,000 acres.
• Red Flag warnings and windy conditions are to start again this afternoon.
• The local law enforcement entities are working on a timeline and date for people to return to the Round Valley.  They do not want to bring people back prematurely and then have to re-evacuate.  They will put the information out at the cooperators meeting before the public announcements, signs and Internet notifications.  The biggest controlling factors at this time effecting the announcement that people can return are the weather (wind) and the fuel in the forest.
• The focus of much of their efforts today will be mopping-up, cleaning and burning operations.  They want to strengthen their defenses before this weekends expected winds arrive.
• They are going to do updates on structure loss late today.
• Fire crews had a good day yesterday holding the lines and doing mop-up.
• In the Greer area they have plans for the larger tanker again today to strengthen the defense there.
• Water Canyon at South Eagar was fortified all night.
• The owners of lost structures to date HAVE ALL been notified and they said if a person did not receive a notification, then their structure was not lost, at this point.
• In the Nutrioso and Alpine areas they are doing cleaning, clearing, burning and mop-up operations to make that area safer.  They are currently burning along the line between Alpine and Talwiwi.
• Along the AZ/NM border they are doing clearing and burning operations, working with the crews in NM to secure that line of fire.
• Along the San Carlos line they are doing burnouts to slow the progress in that area.  A lot of work is being done along the line from the San Carlos division north to the Greer division.
• Public Information meetings to be held today are:
•   1000 hrs. – evacuation site
•   1300 hrs. – St. Johns Middle School
•   1530 hrs.  – Vernon Middle School
• On Monday the AZGFD will bring in Animal Trauma Team.
• AZGFD lost the historic home and barn on one of “their” properties.
• The ADEQ folks said that one of the air quality meters they installed in Saint Johns 3 days ago only ran for about 5 hours and the battery went dead.  They hope to have a new battery today.
• Stuart (who leads the meetings) and ADEQ were discussing the air quality issues and they said that 500 ppm “was not to healthy” and that they have taken readings as high as 1200 ppm, which then dropped to 900 ppm.
• Rumor control:  USDA cattle inspector in Eagar needs help quelling rumors about lost cattle. He has been escorting people to feed livestock to allotments and ranches and he said there have been NO cattle lost to the fire.  There was one dead horse, the owner requested that it be put down this morning because of being injured by a fence - the horse was not killed by the fire.

#WallowFire GACC Detailed Situation Report 6/10/2011 5PM AZ

#WallowFire GACC Detailed Situation Report  6/10/2011 5PM AZ

Wallow Zone 1 AZ-ASF-110152-1 Type: WF Start: 05/29/2011 1330 Cause: U Priority:
Overhead Team Name: Joe Reinarz Organization: Type 1 Team Local: GACC: 1

• Size: 408,887 ACRES 
• % Cnt/MMA: 6 % 
• Est Contain: NR 
• Latitude: 33° 36´ 7" Longitude: 109° 26´ 56"
• Location: Alpine, AZ 
• $$ Costs to Date: $14
• Structures Threatened: 2,500 PRIM , 400 COMM , 1,000 OUTB  Structures Destroyed: 29 PRIM , 35 OUTB
• Resources Committed: Total Personnel: 2,543 Report Date: Jun 10, 2011 1700

• Significant Events: Transition implemented today with Hughes SWA-IMT and Pendleton PNW Team 3 today. Significant progress made in securing communities with favorable weather conditions. Continue assessment of damaged structures impacted by fire. Burnout in Water Canyon and South Fork. Aerial ignition in unburned pockets.
• Remarks: Type I IHC need to be replaced when timing out or extended. Resource numbers include the resources turned over to zone 2 in today's report. Injuries today include a stretched groin, and 2 allergic reactions.
• Observed Fire Behavior: Isolated torching, flame lengths 3', rates of spread 10 ch/hr, upslope runs with active backing fire. High consumption of heavy down fuels.
• Planned Actions: Focus on securing communities already impacted by fire. Firing operations along roads, dozer line, and handlines will continue where appropriate to secure areas. Point protection around possible impact areas. Provide support and leadership interaction with adjoining zones.

Wallow Zone 3 West AZ-ASF-110152-3 Type: WF Start: 05/29/2011 1330 Cause: U Priority:
Overhead Team Name: Dugger Hughes Organization: Type 1 Team Local: GACC: 1

• Size: 408,887 ACRES 
• % Cnt/MMA: 5 % 
• Est Contain: NR 
• Latitude: 33° 36´ 7" Longitude: 109° 26´ 56"
• Location: 23 miles SW of Alpine, AZ 
• $$ Costs to Date: $0
• Structures Threatened: 14 PRIM , 23 COMM , 16 OUTB Structures Destroyed: NONE
• Resources Committed: Total Personnel: 926 Report Date: Jun 10, 2011 1700

• Significant Events: Partial Closures are in effect on Fort Apache Reservation and the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is in the process of establishing a closure order in areas potentially affected by the fire. Structure assessment and preparation of the Sunrise Ski Resort and surrounding area began. Crews continued to establish primary and secondary containment lines while conducting burnout operations as needed to stay aligned with the approaching fire.
• Remarks: Hughes Southwest IMT1 is responsible for Zone 3 defined as the western flank of the fire from the HWY 273 and 87 Road junction southward around the southern flank, then east along the fire edge to HWY 191. Uncontrolled westward spread on the Zone would create further critical impacts. In Branch 10 (northern), DIV DD Continued firing operations that began in the previous period required the resources from the Division to remain assigned to the North Zone during this period to complete the operation. Division D resources are prepping FR116 to conduct burnout operations coordinated with DIV DD. A structure protection group is assessing and prepping structures in the Sunrise Ski Resort area. In Branch 11 (central), DIV C is preparing the Y81 Road to the DIV B break for future firing operations while improving a contingency line along the Y20 Road. DIV B resources are continuing to hold and secure the previous shift burnout operations and will continue any firing necessary to prevent uncontrolled westward spread. In Branch 12 (southern), control line preparation is continuing In DIVS A, Z and Y with dozers and handlines along the 74 road and trail 33 through Malay Gap with firing operations occurring as necessary in DIV A to inhibit additional fire spread. Crews will begin mop-up and patrol in DIV A where the fire has been tied to the containment lines. In DIV Y, crews are prepping trail 33 along East Eagle Creek from HWY 191 west to the junction with FR704. Resource totals have been grouped into the "other" category until more accurate check-in data is available in the database.
• Observed Fire Behavior: Low intensity fire behavior today with backing and isolated torching due to the fire area being shaded.
• Planned Actions: Continued preparation and firing operations along control and contingency lines (if necessary) as the fire spread dictates. Further Coordination with adjoining Zones and Area Command as appropriate.

Wallow North AZ-ASF-110152-N Type: WF Start: 05/29/2011 1330 Cause: U Priority:
Overhead Team Name: Joe Reinarz Organization: Type 1 Team Local: GACC: 1

• Size: 272,490 ACRES 
• % Cnt/MMA: 5 % 
• Est Contain: NR 
• Latitude: 33° 36´ 7" Longitude: 109° 26´ 56"
• Location: Alpine, AZ 
• $$ Costs to Date: $13,745,367
• Structures Threatened: 2,500 PRIM , 400 COMM , 1,000 OUTB  Structures Destroyed: 29 PRIM , 34 OUTB
• Resources Committed: Total Personnel: 2,478 Report Date: Jun 09, 2011 1700

• Significant Events: There were several structures lost or damaged in Greer last night from a significant run north into the east fork of the Little Colorado around 1700 yesterday. A very large airtanker DC-10 dropped aerial retardant on the fire for one load in support of suppresion efforts around Greer. Fuel treatment in Eagar and Greer assisted in protection efforts for firefighters and properties.
• Remarks: Total fire acres burned to date in the following land ownerships; Apache-Sitgreaves NF = 370,026 San Carlos Indian Res = 4,571 White Mountain Apache Indian Res = 4,196 AZ State Lands = 7,107 Total acres burned to date in the following wildernesses and primitive areas; Bear Wallow = 11,336 Escudilla = 4,939 Blue River = 3,095 Hughes SWA-IMT will take command of the west zone tomorrow. Pendleton PNW team 3 will take command of the east zone tomorrow. A full division of resources will be turned over to Pendleton tomorrow.
• Observed Fire Behavior: Extreme fire behavior with frequent spotting was observed. Rapid rates of spread was seen in all fuel types.
• Planned Actions: Focus on securing west perimeter south of Greer through line construction and burnouts. Continue line construction and burnout from Escudilla south to Luna, NM. Continue structure protection in Alpine, Nutrioso, Greer, South Fork, and outlying areas. Structure damage assesment team will be working in Greer, Nutrioso, and Alpine. Reassigning resources to zones 2 and 3.

Wallow Zone 2 AZ-ASF-110152-2 Type: WF Start: 05/29/2011 1330 Cause: U Priority:
Overhead Team Name: Jeff Pendleton Organization: Type 1 Team Local: GACC: 1

• Size: 300,000 ACRES 
• % Cnt/MMA: 5 % 
• Est Contain: NR 
• Latitude: 33° 36´ 7" Longitude: 109° 26´ 56"
• Location: Alpine, Arizona 
• $$ Costs to Date: $6,000,000
• Structures Threatened: 200 PRIM , 50 COMM , 100 OUTB Structures Destroyed: NONE
• Resources Committed: Total Personnel: 953 Report Date: Jun 10, 2011 1600

• Significant Events: [none reported]
• Remarks: Operations transitioned to PNW Team 3, Jeff Pendleton IC at 0600 today. New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez was at ICP and received a briefing today.
• Observed Fire Behavior: Moderate fire activity with flanking and backing surface fire spread with occasional torching and spotting.
• Planned Actions: Structure protection,, continue to strengthen and secure lines, scout out line locations to meet control objectives.

#WallowFire Progression focus maps based on 06/09/11 flyover

#WallowFire Progression focus maps based on 06/09/11 flyover

Click on a map to enlarge

NW area Wallow Fire - flyover night of 06/09/11

NE area Wallow Fire - flyover night of 06/09/11

SE area Wallow Fire - flyover night of 06/09/11

SW area Wallow Fire - flyover night of 06/09/11

#WallowFire Progression map based on 06/09/11 flyover

#WallowFire Progression map based on 06/09/11 flyover
Click on image to enlarge
Focus maps to follow

#WallowFire 06/10/11 map

#WallowFire 06/10/11 map
Click on map to enlarge

We will provide map interpretation around 1 PM.

#WallowFire Sher Brown, Local Fire Liaison

#WallowFire Sher Brown, Local Fire Liaison

Sher Brown, assistant fire chief of Red Hill NM fire department has been appointed to be Local Fire Liaison for the New Mexico fire team. Brown has provided her job description below:

• Track all resources used by the local fire departments and fill out all the appropriate paper work so we can get reimbursed by FEMA 
• Monitor all 911 calls so I can inform EOC exactly where our resources are being used. They need to know what's tied up elsewhere and whether or not we might need additional resources, i.e. an extra water tender 
• Brief the EOC on what the local fire departments are doing in regards to the Wallow fire 
• Brief Catron County Fire Marshall Zina McGuire on what is said during the briefings each morning at the EOC 

Brown reports this morning that they are doing back burns in/near Luna. 

"Some people are freaking out because they're seeing fire, but it's not the Wallow fire," Brown said.