The Greer Fire that has ravaged eastern Arizona has been declared 100% contained, following an aggressive firefighting campaign across 20,308 acres. As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the containment was officially announced on May 26, nearly a fortnight after the fire was first sparked on May 13. In a statement obtained by azfamily.com, fire officials stated that the wildfire, which engulfed over 20,000 acres, also led to the unfortunate destruction of three buildings and one travel trailer.
The blaze had prompted widespread evacuations, with residents allowed to return to their homes on May 19 at 6:00 p.m., following the lifting of road closures. The containment efforts were notably supported by state and federal resources, with Governor Hobbs visiting the fire command center on May 17. "I could actually start smelling it while we were on the plane," the governor remarked as she declared a state of emergency due to the fire and directed $200,000 in emergency funding to assist in the efforts. In addition, a FEMA grant was approved to provide up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
Gov. Hobbs also took the opportunity to address the issue of wildland firefighter pay, advocating for a 15% increase. "These folks out there fighting the fires, they are not well paid and they deserve the raise," Hobbs told FOX 10 Phoenix. She noted the importance of firefighters who are "protecting life, they are protecting property," and expressed hope for support from the state legislature for the proposed budget increase.
The aftermath of the fire has seen the towns of Eagar and Springerville issuing a joint Declaration of Emergency, and Navajo and Apache Counties implementing Stage 2 fire restrictions. Power, which was temporarily disrupted in the Greer area, has since been restored by Navopache Electric Cooperative. The origin of the fire, which started on private property, remains under investigation. This incident stirs memories of the 2011 Wallow Fire, also referenced by FOX 10 Phoenix, the largest wildfire in Arizona's history, which burned roughly in the same area and consumed more than half a million acres of forest.
