By Jon Johnson
PIMA — High winds caused the Bryce Fire to jump containment lines Friday morning, causing residences near the fire along the Gila River to be placed in the “SET” evacuation.
The Graham County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation warning for “all homes between Eden Road and Fort Thomas on the north side of Highway 70. All homes in this area are being placed on SET to evacuate.”
The fire was listed at 80 percent containment Thursday night, but winds from the southwest have pushed it over the containment lines on the north/northwest side.
In addition to a hand crew, three single-engine air tankers (SEAT) have been called to assist. The fire is estimated to be about 200 acres as of Friday morning.
It is burning along the Gila River roughly seven miles northwest of Pima. Highway 70 is not impacted at this time. The fire began shortly before 3:30 p.m. along the Gila River riverbed on Wednesday.
All-Hazard Evacuation Steps
READY – Prepare Now
Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community.
- Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.
- Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system.
- Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff’s office, and public health department on social media.
- Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations. Keep in mind physical distancing recommendations, wearing face coverings or other public health recommendations.
- Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
- Check with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY.
- Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations
SET – Be Alert
Know there is significant danger in your area.
- Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
- Grab your emergency go kit.
- Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
- Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.
This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.
GO! – Evacuate
Danger in your area is imminent and life-threatening.
- Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
- If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
- Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes, and avoid closed areas.
-Source: Arizona Wildfire Dashboard
