Extreme weather conditions in the Southwestern United States have resulted in several wildfires. Nineteen of the world’s best firefighters were killed in the Arizona wildfire.
The state of Arizona says: Yarnell Hill Fire Reported 45 Percent Contained
(Posted July 3, 2013, at 9:32 p.m.) The Yarnell Hill Fire burning southwest of Prescott, Ariz., is reported 45 percent contained.
Residents of Peeples Valley and Yarnell, evacuated by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, remain out of their homes. The Yarnell Fire Department and Yavapai County are assessing homes and structures around Glen Ilah and Yarnell.
Red Cross shelters are open at Yavapai Community College in Prescott at 928-717-8210 and at the Wickenburg High School in Wickenburg at 480-213-0706. People and small animals are welcome at both shelters while large livestock can be taken to Hidden Springs Ranch on Highway 89.
State Highway 89 remains closed between MP 270 and MP 238. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has three different road blocks: the junctions of Highway 89 and Hays Ranch Road; Hays Ranch Road and Sickles Ranch Road; and at Buckhorn and Frontier Road.
Again, temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s, humidity 15-19 percent, and predicted winds out of the west at 4 to 6 miles per hour, gusting up to 12 miles per hour.
Locally, gusts up to 30 mph may occur near thunderstorms. The decreased relative humidity and increased wind speeds could cause more erratic fire behavior. No significant rain is expected in the next 7-10 days. However, overall fire behavior should continue to diminish due to fuels being consumed.
Tomorrow, firefighters will continue work on the eastern flank with a goal of connecting the contained areas on the northeast and southeast corners between Yarnell and Peeples Valley.
On the northern portion, hot shot crews will continue to build line towards a ridge above Peeples Valley. Scouting will take place along the western flank and contingency plans will continue to be refined in case the fire becomes active again. Firefighters will also support initial attack in the area as needed.
Creeping and smoldering are expected to continue around the structures, though sometimes not showing until the afternoon, and some areas around structures are still holding enough heat to be a concern. A plan is being developed to restore utilities and infrastructure to the affected communities.
Yarnell Hill Fire facts:
Fire Start Date: June 28, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: West of State 89 between Yarnell and Peeples Valley
Size: Estimated at 8,400 acres
Containment: 45 percent
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 681 (includes 15 crews and 26 engines)
Aircraft: Thirteen helicopters are assigned to the incident and air tankers are available to support firefighters.