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Mescal Fire Update, June 5, 2021

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Gila District Office

Media Contact:

Southwest Area Incident Management Team
602-428-5397

Acres: Estimate of 7,903 acres
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 5% 
Total personnel: 402 
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 

Evacuations Ordered, SR-77 Highway Closure

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ 

Announcement:  There will be a virtual community meeting tonight, Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 8:00 pm. This will be broadcast live on the Mescal Fire Information Facebook page at: 
https://www.facebook.com/Mescal-Fire-Information-101095532201192 

Overview: The Mescal Fire burned actively throughout the day, driven by gusty winds. During the afternoon the decision was made to evacuate residents on the east side of Highway 77 near El Capitan. That was followed by the order to evacuate Soda Canyon near San Carlos Lake. State Route 77 is closed between Winkelman and US Highway 70 due to the fire. 

Fire Update: Fire activity increased on Friday due to gusty winds which pushed the fire north and east. The fire remains south of Hog Mountain and Old San Carlos Highway. Overnight, firefighters built fireline and burned along the 600 and 740 roads to protect the community of Soda Canyon in anticipation of the windy weather expected today. On Friday, firefighters will continue to work to hold the fire south of the 600 Road, east of the 700 Road, and west of Indian Route 3. Air tankers and helicopters are being utilized extensively to support firefighters on the ground as weather conditions allow. Crews are working hard to protect the powerline which provides service to San Carlos and Peridot. The line remains operational. 

Weather: Strong and gusty west to southwest winds will occur across the area this afternoon and and evening and a Red Flag Warning has been issued. The fire will move through canyons and drainages and cross the ridge tops. Highs will remain in the mid- 90s. These conditions will allow for a fast moving fire with the potential to grow rapidly.

Ready, Set, Go: The Southwest Area Incident Management Team is using the Ready, Set, Go Program to inform the community on how to prepare ahead of an emergency. READY: Stands for Prepare now and be aware of hazards that can threaten your cohttps://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go mmunity. Build an emergency supplies kit, starting with the five P’s: people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items. SET: Be alert as there is significant danger in your area. Consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. GO!: Evacuate now because the danger in in your area is current and life-threatening. Evacuate immediately to a shelter or to family/friends outside the affected area. Follow instructions from emergency personnel, and stay on designated evacuation routes.

The following communities are in “Go” and evacuation orders have been issued:

  • 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:

  • Coyote Flats
  • Peridot South
  • Lower Peridot
  • Skill Center
  • T11 Ranch
  • Beverly Hills

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.

Smoke: An Air Resource Advisor has been assigned to the Mescal Fire, and will begin to develop daily smoke reports for areas potentially affected by the fire. Smoke is drifting to the east and northeast and monitors will help monitor smoke effects. The Daily Air Quality Index can be found by visiting Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at https://azdeq.gov/node/5914; or by downloading the Air Arizona mobile app on your smartphone. (https://azdeq.gov/airaz) 

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
San Carlos Apache Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY
BLM-Arizona Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona 

 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.