The Wallow fire in Eastern Arizona consuming 389,000 acres, and it's growing more each day. Firefighters, battling the blaze, face low humidity and high winds. The Wallow fire stands at 0 percent containment.
On Tuesday firefighters began a burnout strategy, trying to build a protective fire line. They want to stop the spot fires occurring up to three miles ahead of the fire. Fire spokeswoman Dellora Guager said the fire grows more on the north side, feeding off the Ponderosa pines.
Governor Jan Brewer declared a state of emergency on Monday. This allows Arizona to use $200,000 of emergency funding to combat the Wallow fire. The forest fire is burning a national forest; therefore, the cost of the firefighting efforts is federal responsibility. A spokesperson for Brewer said the state's money would most likely be earmarked for post fire recovery.
Right now there is only one Type 1 management team battling the Wallow fire. Officials said they are bringing in two more Type 1 management teams, helping to relieve the current team on the front lines.
As of Tuesday, several towns have been evacuated and a few are on standby. A large forest fire, like the Wallow fire, is unpredictable. Firefighters urge anyone in the evacuation areas to get out. Remember material possessions can be replaced, lives cannot. Many residents in the area do not want to impede the firefighters valiant efforts.
Wallow Fire – Arizona Battling Second Largest Fire in State History
