GILA COUNTY, Ariz. — The Mescal Fire reached 100% containment officials reported Friday.
Crews are continuing to monitor the containment lines.
Evacuations were lifted this week for some communities in Gila County as a wildfire continues to grow, fire officials said.
The wildfire burned 72,250 acres of the Tonto National Forest.
Crews reported little fire activity overnight Friday and no growth while making significant progress creating a containment line.
More than 280 personnel worked to contain the fire that had been burning since Tuesday, June 1.
On Wednesday afternoon, State Route 77 between Winkleman and Globe reopened to all traffic. Residents of Beverly Hills, T-11 Ranch and residents of El Capitan living on the east side of SR 77 were allowed to return home on Wednesday.
The following communities are currently placed into "SET" and should be prepared for evacuation orders:
- Soda Canyon
- Skill Center
- T11 Ranch
- Beverly Hills
- El Capitan east and west of State Route 77
The following communities have been returned to "READY" status:
- San Carlos
- Lower Peridot
- Peridot South
- Coyote Flats
See the most recent update on the efforts to contain the fire here.
The fire ignited June 1 about 16 miles southeast of Globe. Around 200 fire personnel have been assigned to control the fire.
An evacuation site has been set up at High Desert Middle School in Globe, Arizona.
Public access has been temporarily closed for the following areas:
- Gila River to the south
- BIA Road 700 from E. Ranch Creek Road to the west
- Reservation Road 660 to the East
The following highways remain closed due to the Telegraph Fire:
- US 60 (Superior to Miami)
- State Route 177 (Superior to Winkleman)
Post Office buildings in Globe, Miami, Claypool, San Carlos, Bylas, and Peridot have been closed until further notice due to the Mescal and Telegraph fires, the U.S. Postal Service said.
Residents in evacuation areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them when leaving their homes.
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 an 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.
Wildfires in Arizona
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