Wildfire Threats Prompt Evacuations North of Parks
A wildfire ignited Saturday afternoon has led to emergency evacuations north of Parks, Arizona. Residents in the Pumpkin Center area and visitors around Kendrick Mountain have been urged to evacuate as the fire spreads rapidly.
The Spring Fire, located on Spring Valley Road, was reported to be 10 acres in size with no containment as of 5 p.m. Saturday. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has indicated that the fire remains active. Additional firefighting resources, including a type 2 hand crew, are en route to assist in controlling the blaze.
Butte Fire Expands Near Tusayan
In a separate incident, a wildfire has broken out approximately 7 miles south of Tusayan. The Butte Fire, fueled by high winds and dry conditions, is burning across 100 acres of pinyon pine and juniper east of State Route 64. Despite the fire’s rapid growth towards the east and northeast, no evacuations have been ordered as of now, and residential areas are not threatened.
Firefighters from the Kaibab National Forest are actively using burnout operations and direct extinguishment tactics to halt the fire’s progress. The blaze was first detected at noon on Saturday and is burning about a mile-and-a-half southwest of the Pinyon Plain uranium mine, according to the Watch Duty app. Officials from the Grand Canyon National Park have confirmed that the fire poses no threat to Tusayan, Grand Canyon Village, or Desert View.
Pocket Fire Activity Intensifies
Fire activity has intensified on the Pocket Fire north of Sedona, according to the Coconino National Forest. The fire, which has grown to 2,349 acres, remains uncontained. Strong winds have contributed to the increased activity, particularly south of the fire’s established perimeter along Woody Mountain Road.
Firefighters are strategically positioned to initiate attack efforts on emerging spot fires. Rising smoke levels have affected areas such as Flagstaff, with smoke impacts expected to persist.
As a precautionary measure, Arizona Public Service Co. has implemented a public safety power shutoff due to the extreme wildfire threat. In response, cooling centers and distribution points for water and ice have been set up in Flagstaff, Grand Canyon National Park, and other affected areas.
—
Read More Arizona News
