YARNELL, Ariz. — More than a dozen Yarnell residents are happy to be home after a small wildfire prompted evacuations Monday afternoon.
The Crest Way Fire started just south of State Route 89A near Crest and Happy ways.
People living in the evacuation zone said the fire took them by surprise.
"I think I was in shock," Alexandra Howe, a woman living near Crest Way, said.
Howe said she heard a loud bang and then her power went out.
"I heard the fire chief, I think it was, come up with his lights zooming up the hill," Howe said.
Others living near Crest Way rushed home from work to get their pets. Kids were sent home early from school.
"I was scared because I was worried about my mom and I was worried about the fire if our house was burned down," Howe's child said.
Alice Hicks was one of about a dozen people asked to evacuate their homes.
"We hurried up and got all of our valuable stuff. He packed his truck, I packed my car and off we went," Hicks said.
The fire moved up the mountain and away from houses. Power lines and communication towers sat in the fire's path.
"We watched it go up the hill but it was pretty much under control," Hicks said.
Despite strong winds, crews got a handle on the fire quickly. No damage was reported and evacuation orders were lifted after just a few hours.
"It's part of living in a desert, you know and it's been so dry," Hicks said. "It's just what you have to take when you live here."
This is a town that knowns the dangers of wildfires all too well.
It was more than 11 years ago that the Yarnell Hill Fire devastated the community, taking the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots.
Residents are thankful firefighters kept this one from taking a turn for the worse.
"They do a good job. They try their best and that's all we could ask," Hicks said.
Fire officials did not immediately say how the fire started.
This is a developing story and more info will be published as it becomes available.
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.
Those in Arizona who have been affected by a wildfire or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.
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.