SAN CARLOS, Arizona — The Watch Fire burning in the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona is suspected to be caused by arson, tribal officials said.
San Carlos Apache Tribe officials also declared a state of emergency and requested disaster assistance from the state and federal governments to fight the fire. At least 13 homes have been destroyed by the flames, leaving nearly 75 people homeless and forcing the evacuation of more than 400 people.
"We at the Arizona Indian Gaming Association are deeply saddened by the devastating fires that have swept through the San Carlos Apache Reservation," Chairman Robert Miguel of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association said in a news release. "Yesterday, fires impacted the Seven Mile Wash, Gilson Wash, and Peridot Districts, resulting in significant loss of homes and property. Our heart goes out to all those affected by this tragedy."
The arson case remains under investigation.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: El Incendio Watch al este de Arizona ha sido sofocado en su totalidad
High winds were driving the wildfire, the Forestry Department and Fire Management of the San Carlos Apache Tribe said. According to fire officials, the fire has already burned 2,162 acres and is 100% contained as of July 18.
"Heavy fuels well within the containment lines of the Watch Fire will continue to smoke as unburned materials are consumed," officials wrote in a statement. "There is no threat to containment and crews will continue to monitor the fire."
Officials said that a monsoonal front changed the course of the fire, which had been pushing north and then began to push south because of the front.
Firefighters will continue to assess structures, finding leftover heat and hot spots, and will begin the mop-up process, officials said.
“We have endured fires before, but the human scale of this one is particularly devastating,” said San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler. “Unfortunately, multiple families lost homes. It was horrible all the way around. I have received reports of families leaving with nothing, elders having no transportation, kids running with no shoes. We have never experienced anything like this.”
Authorities said that a monsoon front may come in and could increase the complexity of the firefighting operations.
Authorities also said during the news conference that the fire was human-caused and is under investigation.
The brush in the area of the Watch Fire is drier than the wood you would buy at Home Depot, authorities said, making mop-up efforts more difficult.
The fire started Thursday afternoon in the Seven Mile District, officials said, and the following areas were ordered to evacuate:
- TC Alley
- China Town
- Peridot heights
- Old/New Moonbase
Evacuation centers are now at San Carlos High School and Bingo Hall at Apache Gold Casino, officials said. Residents can call (928) 961-6259 if they need transportation.
The San Carlos High School shelter area is also where people are able to bring donations for the families impacted by the fire, officials said at a news conference.
The Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe is asking for donations as well to help rebuild the homes that were lost in the fire.
The AIGA is also accepting donations on behalf of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
Donations are being accepted to support the San Carlos Apache Tribe during this difficult time. Please use the following information to complete a Wire or ACH transfer:
Receiving Bank: BMO Bank N.A.
320 South Canal St.
Chicago, IL 60606
ABA Routing Number: 071000288
Account Title: San Carlos Apache Tribe
Account No.: 58088295
Beneficiary Address: PO Box 0 San Carlos, AZ 85550
Reference: Donations – Wildfire Watch
For anyone who wishes to donate to assist with the Watch Fire, you can contact the San Carlos Apache Tribal Emergency Response Commission at 928-475-2008.
Watch Fire burning on San Carlos Apache Reservation
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.