Digital News Report – The Wallow fire in Arizona has now spread into Catron County of New Mexico. The wildfire has burned 452,155 acres. The fire started on May 29, 2011 and fire officials report only 10 percent containment.
There have been seven injuries reported from this wildfire. Twenty-nine homes are destroyed, with 2,714 more that are threatened. Thirty-five non-residential buildings were destroyed, with 1,216 more threatened. One non-residential building was damaged but not destroyed. Four commercial buildings were destroyed with 473 more threatened. One vehicle was destroyed.
A total of 4,311 fire personnel are working to put out the Wallow Fire. There are a total of 15 Helicopters, 5 Air Tankers available; 334 Engines; 66 Water Tenders; 27 Dozers currently allocated to putting out this fire.
Fire officials reported today that Eagar and Springerville area are not threatened by the fire for the time being.
Evacuations for Sunrise, Greer, Blue River, Alpine, Nutrioso, and the following subdivisions along highways 180/191: Escudilla Mountain Estates, Bonita, White Mtn. Acres, and the H-V Ranch, which includes County Road (CR) 4000, CR 4001, and CR 4225. New Mexico has not yet announced evacuations.
Several highways have been closed in Arizona because of the Wallow fire. US Highway 60 has reopened.
Air quality in Springerville is hazardous and unhealthy depending on location. St. Johns location is listed as unhealthy air quality. Deming, in Southern New Mexico, has unhealthy air quality. Several areas in Arizona have been listed as moderate air quality.
By Mark Williams