PAYSON, Ariz. — Some communities were ordered to evacuate as two lightning-caused wildfires burning north of Globe continued to spread.
The Gin Fire, Champion Fire and Griffin Fire were all burning in the Tonto National Forest. They have since merged and are being referred to as the Griffin Fire.
The Griffin Fire was burning about five miles northeast of Globe in the Apache mountains west of Hwy. 60.
It had burned about 61,995 acres as of Saturday morning and is 44% contained. It is also burning through grass and brush.
Tonto National Forest officials said the following areas were evacuated: All residents on the east side of U.S. 60, north from the ADOT yard to Winters Ranch and all residents off Fairgrounds Road, Winters Ranch, and Johnson Ranch.
Residents in the Upper Gilson and Skill Center communities should be prepared to evacuate.
Residents can find more information on evacuations here.
The following roads are closed:
- Highway 60 is closed from the intersection of Highway 70 and Highway 60 to BIA-1956 (mile marker 318).
- Indian Route 6 is closed.
- Rd 1300 and 900 on San Carlos
For more updates on highway closures and restrictions, go here.
Roosevelt Lake and nearby recreation sites are still open to the public, except for Bermuda Flat, Cholla Bay, and Bachelors Cove, which are closed due to concerns for potential flooding after the Bush Fire earlier this summer.
More Info: Official information on the fire can be found on these sites.
- Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/
- Incident Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Salt-Gin-Griffin-Fire-100936588404764/?modal=admin_todo_tour
