GLOBE, Ariz. — Multiple fires burning north of Globe have shut down several miles of the US 60 highway in both directions.
On Sunday, the AZFTA Incident Management Team met with ADOT officials and formalized a conditional reopening plan for US 60.
According to officials, under the plan, the closure has been modified to allow for traffic easement starting Sunday night between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. with reduced speeds.
Traffic will be escorted via pilot car Monday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will be reduced to one lane. The public is advised to allow for traffic delays during this time.
Officials said the reopening plan may be rescinded if fire activity increases in the area.
As of Sunday, the Flying V Fire's activity has "mostly decreased" after burning about 830 acres. Smoldering fuels located near the suppression lines have produced some small spots, officials said.
The fires had closed off access to the highway between mileposts 256 and 311.
The U.S. Department of Interior said the six fires started on the afternoon of July 5 and most had been contained to less than half an acre each. But the sixth remaining fire had spread to at least 831 acres and is 73% contained as of the morning of July 12.
Eight crews, five engines, one water tender, three helicopters, and two Dozers have all been deployed to suppress the Flying V Fire.
The federal agency said no structures were threatened by the fires.
Officials described the Flying V Fire as a human-caused fire. It's near the burn scar of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire.
The full evacuation list, evacuation center information and up-to-date road closures can be found below:
How many acres has it burned?
The Flying V Fire has burned at least 830 acres and is 5% contained fire officials said Friday morning.
Are there any evacuations?
The following communities are under the "GO" order and have been asked to evacuate:
- No communities
The following communities are under the "SET" order and have been asked to prepare for possible evacuation:
- No communities
The following communities are under the "READY" order and have been asked to be aware of nearby fire danger:
- No communities
Go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network website to learn how the READY, SET, GO evacuation system works.
What roads or highways have been closed?
US 60 between mileposts 256 and 311 in both directions.
Are there any shelters available for residents who may be evacuated?
Officials have not released information on shelters
Up to Speed
Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
- Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
- Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.