The Tonto National Forest in Arizona is battling a wildfire, named the Black Fire, which has scorched approximately 5,982 acres to date. Lightning strikes are reported to have sparked the blaze, according to the U.S. Forest Service. With the fire currently at 0% containment, multiple communities have been placed under evacuation orders.
In a daily update from FOX 10 Phoenix, it was stated that "Aerial resources continue to conduct water and retardant drops to stop the spread of the fire." Communities such as Tonto National Monument, the Revis Mountain School, and Black Brush Ranch are amongst those areas that have been directed to evacuate. The Tonto Basin Ranger Station, on the other hand, is now closed until further notice.
The situation escalated as the fire continued to grow, leading the Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Command Team to assume command as of July 14. The team is facilitating communication and assistance for residents by establishing an information hotline at (928) 295-1514, as reported by 12 News.
Furthermore, Gila County authorities have escalated the response, placing communities such as Quail Run (Roosevelt) and the Roosevelt Lakeview Marina and RV Park under "SET" evacuation orders. Gila County Public Health & Community Services urged residents to sign up for the County Emergency Notification System for quick alerts in the face of emergencies. Due to the ongoing firefighting efforts, all U.S. Forest Service campgrounds north of Highway 188 from the Roosevelt Dam to Schoolhouse have been advised to evacuate.
Amid the emergency, residents in affected and wildfire-prone areas are being encouraged to prepare Wildfire Go-Kits. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has laid out a checklist of items that should be included, such as water, ready-to-eat food, clothing, and important documents. These types of preparedness can prove critical during evacuation. People in need of disaster relief or assistance in the aftermath of a wildfire are advised to contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-842-7349 for support.
