Wallow Fire at 408,887 acres, six percent contained
The Wallow Fire south and west of Alpine, Arizona, which was first reported May 29 is now at 408,887 acres and is six percent contained on its northeast flank. Twenty-nine residences have been destroyed and five have been damaged. One truck was also damaged and a number of outbuildings were also burned.
On Friday, June 10, 4,422 personnel were fighting the blaze. This included 26 Hotshot crews and 76 hand crews. Some 28 dozers, 263 engines, 69 water tenders and 15 helicopters were on scene. Three minor injuries have been reported.
Friday's activities included burnout operations, structure protection, patrolling for hot spots and mop up. Burnouts are being fired by hand because heavy smoke precluded the use of helicopters.
To ensure public and firefighter safety and protection of property, 117 law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions were brought in.
Heavy smoke remains a problem for residents with respiratory problems and motorists should exercise caution due to reduced visability.
The Wallow Fire south and west of Alpine, Arizona, which was first reported May 29 is now at 408,887 acres and is six percent contained on its northeast flank. Twenty-nine residences have been destroyed and five have been damaged. One truck was also damaged and a number of outbuildings were also burned.
On Friday, June 10, 4,422 personnel were fighting the blaze. This included 26 Hotshot crews and 76 hand crews. Some 28 dozers, 263 engines, 69 water tenders and 15 helicopters were on scene. Three minor injuries have been reported.
Friday's activities included burnout operations, structure protection, patrolling for hot spots and mop up. Burnouts are being fired by hand because heavy smoke precluded the use of helicopters.
To ensure public and firefighter safety and protection of property, 117 law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions were brought in.
Heavy smoke remains a problem for residents with respiratory problems and motorists should exercise caution due to reduced visability.
Northeastern Arizona Residents Warned of Hazardous Air Quality
PHOENIX--Air quality in the Springerville–Eagar area of Arizona is currently considered extremely hazardous. Air quality is defined using Particulate Matter (PM), a measurement of solid and liquid droplets in the air. Concentrations of PM were more than 7 times the national health standard on June 9, 2011, and are expected to be the same or worse today. Excessive, persistent air pollution is a health threat, especially to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Smoke is responsible for the hazardous air quality. Hourly concentrations are expected to be highest in the late night and early morning hours, and usually subside through the hot part of the day. People who are still in the Springerville area at this time should stay indoors with doors and windows closed. If the home has air conditioning, people can use it, but should keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean. No one should use an evaporative cooler when air quality is poor. Those people should pay attention to local air quality reports and refer to Arizona Department of Health Services visibility guides.
Air quality could be a concern as the fires continue. Anyone who feels they are at risk may want to consider limiting outdoor exposure. People with health issues (heart or lung disease, COPD, emphysema or asthma) should contact their personal physician if they feel ill as a result of poor air quality. Medical resources near Springerville are limited.
Symptoms from short-term exposure to smoke include scratchy throat, cough, irritated sinuses, headaches, runny nose and stinging eyes, and more serious reactions among those in high-risk groups. Elevated levels of PM also increase the potential for asthma attacks and other asthma-related symptoms in children.
Visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website at www.AzEIN.gov for real-time emergency updates, preparedness and hazard information, and multimedia resources.
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