SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Fire crews are currently fighting the Wildcat Fire, which has burned 14,402 acres about five miles north of Dynamite Boulevard and 136th Street, west of Bartlett Lake since Saturday, May 18.
The fire is now 84% contained as of Saturday, May 25, and has barely increased in size over the last few days. Officials believe that the fire was caused by human activity.
Tonto National Forest officials expanded the closure area to most of the wilderness immediately northeast of Scottsdale, but have started to reopen access to some parts of the Cave Creek Ranger District.
Visitors can now access Rio Verde Drive, Bartlett Dam Road, Needle Rock Road, North Lake Road, Horseshoe Dam Road, and Cave Creek Road/Seven Springs Road, officials said.
The latest acreage estimate comes from the official report on the fire Tonto National Forest Officials released Friday morning.
Head to 12news.com/wildfires to get the latest information on all the fires burning around Arizona.
The full evacuation list, evacuation center information and up-to-date road closures can be found below:
Latest fire updates:
The Wildcat Fire is at least 14,402 acres as of Saturday afternoon. It is 84% contained, fire officials said.
Monday
Tonto National Forest officials expanded the closure order for the Wildcat Fire Monday morning. You can find a map of closed areas below:
The Wildcat Fire is at least 14,072 acres as of Monday morning and is 0% contained. It has also forced the closure of access to Bartlett Lake from the Valley. Tonto National Forest officials closed the fire area to visitors early Sunday morning after the fire grew from nothing to the equivalent of about 12,000 football fields in a day.
Six of Arizona’s 12 hotshot crews are involved in fighting the fire. The fire caused the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to close Bartlett Lake Road in both directions Saturday between Cave Creek Road and Horseshoe Dam Road as the fire jumped Bartlett Dam Road.
Air tankers were working the eastern and southeastern edges of the fire Sunday afternoon. Additional hotshot crews were brought in overnight and early Sunday morning; six of the 12 elite firefighting crews based in Arizona were working this fire.
How many acres has it burned?
The Wildcat Fire has burned 14,072 acres and is 0% contained as of Monday, May 20, fire officials said.
Are there any evacuations?
There are no communities under “GO,” “SET,” or “READY” orders, but Bartlett Lake access from the Valley is closed and visitors were escorted away from the lake.
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?
- Bartlett Dam Road is closed and access to the lake has been restricted.
Are there any shelters available for residents who may be evacuated?
- Officials have not released information on shelters.
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.
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.
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.
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.