CIBECUE, Ariz. — Crews and an air attack are working to battle the Bear Fire, which is burning on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, officials announced Saturday.
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry & Wildland Fire Management - Fort Apache Agency says the fire is located about five miles west of the town of the Cibecue and consists of about 446 acres, as of June 12. There is no containment.
The fire started burning on June 8.
The agency says the fire is burning in a pinyon-juniper forest and is being fought by air resources, along with the Fort Apache hotshots crew, the Fort Apache fuels crew and a type 6 fire engine.
The agency said the fire was reported just before noon on Saturday and was active on the east side, which is where the air attack dropped fire retardant.
Firefighters were not able to actively fight the flames on Saturday due to "limited road access" and worked to scout the area for places where they could start to control the fire.
Fire activity was low on Saturday night and allowed the fire retardant lines to hold to keep the fire from growing. Crews will look to take advantage of Sunday's weather conditions and attack the fire directly.
The White Mountain Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team will officially assume command of the fire fight at 7:00 a.m. on Monday.
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry & Wildland Fire Management - Fort Apache Agency says the G-3 and G-4 roads are closed due to the fire and that smoke may impact the Cibecue and White Mountain communities.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Anyone with questions about the Bear Fire can call Public Information Officer Candy Lupe at (928) 205-5752.
This is a developing story and more details will be added as they are made available.
Head to 12news.com/wildfires to get the latest information on all the fires burning around Arizona.
How to prevent wildfires
With temperatures beginning to heat up, fires are likely to continue, but there are some ways that you can prevent them from starting.
According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, some ways to prevent a wildfire from sparking include:
- Make sure a campfire is out by dousing it with water, stirring it and repeating until it is cool to the touch when you touch it with the back of your hand
- Refrain from using a chainsaw or welding equipment during windy or high fire danger days
- Use proper burn barrels when burning debris, never leave the fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before walking away. Also never burn on windy days.
- Don't target shoot or use fireworks on state lands, as that is not allowed.
Drivers can also help prevent wildfires with these tips:
- Do not throw cigarette butts out of a car window
- Check your tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can cause your wheel to touch a road or trail and cause sparks
- Never park or drive on dry grass or brush, as a hot engine can spark a fire
- Tighten trailer chains and other equipment so they don't drag on the ground and cause sparks
- Check your brake pads because worn pads can also throw sparks due to metal-on-metal contact
The ADFFM also has a mobile app that will alert users when a wildfire is in their area. The app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or in the Google Play Store.
And there are some ways to keep your home safe in case of wildfires, according to The National Fire Protection Agency. Those include:
- Make sure your roof and gutters are clear of dead leaves and debris that could catch fire
- Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles to prevent embers from getting inside your home
- Install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers that could pass through vents into eaves
- Clean debris from attic vents and install the 1/8 inch metal mesh on those vents as well
- Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows
- Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and other flammable materials from getting in
- Move any flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, plants, leaves and firewood piles
- Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches
The NFPA also advises keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches or less, keeping at least eight feet of space between trees, along with having fire-resistant construction on your home, including fire-resistant roofing and siding.
The NFPA also says to know and practice an emergency action plan with all of the occupants of your home in case of a wildfire, as that can save lives.
Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Evacuation
If evacuations are required due to a wildfire, they will be issued using the 'Ready, Set, Go' method, according to the Arizona Emergency Information Network.
If a 'Ready' alert is issued, that means you need to be aware of hazards that can threaten your community and make sure you have an emergency kit ready to go with enough supplies to last 72 hours.
If a 'Set' alert is issued, that means that you should consider voluntarily evacuating to a shelter or go to family or friends who are outside of the evacuation zone.
If a 'Go' alert is issued that means you need to evacuate immediately.
You can learn more about the 'Ready, Set, Go' system by clicking here.
Home Fire Prevention:
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.
“More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.”
First off, the authority says that every house needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. Every level of the home and every sleeping area should have a working smoke alarm inside of it to offer the best protection.
Appliances should also be used in a way that manufacturers recommend, since overheating, shorts and sparks can all lead to a fire breaking out.
Lastly, families should have an escape plan from every room of the house.
“Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot,” the authority said. “Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.”
The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.
Arizona Wildfire Season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12News YouTube playlist here.