Several new wildfires are prompting some residents near the Village of Oak Creek and Payson to prepare to evacuate.
Last night, a go evacuation order was issued by the Gila County Sheriff’s Office for two communities — Mountain Meadow Ranch and Washington Park near the Payson-area — due to the Washington Fire.
Residents living nearby have been told to get ready to leave. As have residents living east of the 179 in the Village of Oak Creek.
The Coconino National Forest says the Woods Fire covers about 55 acres and has been boxed in by fire retardant since it was first reported Wednesday afternoon.
And in the eastern part of Arizona, firefighters appear to have some containment on both the Bronco and Indian Creek Fires.
More Arizona Wildfires News
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Officials have lifted fire restrictions for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, citing increased moisture and cooler temperatures. -
The state’s two largest fires, the Sycamore and Pocket fires, are approaching containment. But state officials warn that risks could persist as monsoon activity is beginning to pick up. -
Communities in Colorado and Utah are reporting drops in tourism as fires burn nearby and smoke floats in. -
This year's already strong El Niño is strengthening, a trend with potentially significant implications for the intense – and now tragic – fire season. -
A proposal sent to the November ballot by Republican lawmakers to undercut Arizona’s teachers unions has drawn the ire of police and firefighters across the state, who believe the measure would also harm their labor organizations.
