PHOENIX — The Fall Fire has now burned more than 400 acres on the Gila River Indian Community and evacuations that were announced Saturday have now been lifted, according to the GRIC.
The fire is burning in District 6 of the community and caused a large plume of smoke that was seen across the Valley on Saturday.
The Gila River Indian Community said the fire is burning in the area of Santa Cruz and Cemetery roads and has burned 407 acres.
As of Sept. 30, the fire was 50% contained.
The GRIC says no structures have been affected by the fire. However, several power lines were affected and repaired by APS, which has now been able to turn power back on in the area.
Evacuations that were in effect along Kwi Street and Old Well Road have now been lifted, according to a post from the GRIC on Facebook.
The GRIC released a statement, which can be seen in full below.
Since yesterday, we've been battling a large wildfire in District 6, the Fall Fire. Thank you to the brave members of our public safety for their actions in saving lives and homes in the area. It's been a very trying time for those families and we are grateful for those who assisted as the Fall Fire grew in size and intensity.
APS has turned on power and THE EVACUEES ARE CLEARED TO RETURN TO THEIR RESIDENCES after being away from their homes during a very dangerous situation in Santa Cruz.
At the moment, containment is still at zero, but crews are working extremely hard to combat this fire which is at approximately 407 acres.
Gila River Fire Department will remain on scene and the additional crews will return in the morning. We want to thank all the teams who assisted including all the GRIC departments, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for their incident command and all those contracted who made an impact including GRFD, GRPD, GREMS, CSD including District 6 and District 7, OEM, CPAO, APS, GRTI, DEQ, GRICDOT, CRMP, OEM, GRIDD, GRHC, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, All Terrain Engine, AZ-Tonto National Forest Engine, Salt River Fire, San Carlos, AZ Pima Agency, and Fort Apache Hot Shots.
No one was hurt by the Fall Fire.
The cause of the Fall Fire is under investigation.
Where is District 6 of the Gila River Indian Community?
According to the Gila River Indian Community, the northern boundary of District 6 is the Ahwatukee Foothills area and the southern boundary is the City of Maricopa. It is near the Sierra Estrella mountains. The villages of Lone Butte, Santa Cruz, Komatke and Co-Op Village are all in District 6. The area measures 176 square miles.
The Vee Quiva Casino is in District 6 as well.
This is a developing story and more details will be added as they are made available.
Photos and videos of fire on Gila River Indian Community
12News viewers have been sending us their photos and videos of this fire. If you would like to send your photos and videos, you can email them to pictures@12news.com, post them in the 12News Weather Watchers group on Facebook, text them to us at (602) 444-1212 or upload them using the 'Near Me' page on the 12News app.
From 12News viewer Patrick Temborius
From 12News viewer Amber Brooks-Gumbert
From 12News viewer David Medina
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.
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.
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.
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.