Highway 70 shut down across the San Carlos Apache Reservation due to Toyo Fire 

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The Pima Fire Department is working to contain a large wildfire along the south side of the Gila River.

Jon Johnson File Photo: The Toyo Fire in Peridot has forced the closure of Highway 70 for at least the next two days.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

SAN CARLOS APACHE RESERVATION – Highway 70 between Peridot and Bylas is closed for the next two days due to a fire. There are no alternate routes through the reservation to take. Traffic headed to Phoenix from the Safford area will have to take I-10 through Tucson and vice versa.

The San Carlos Apache Reservation is fighting the Toyo Fire in the Peridot area and has closed the highway for the next 48 hours. The San Carlos Apache Police Department released the notice on Saturday at about 3:30 p.m. and Graham County Sheriff P.J. Allred confirmed it. The reported earliest the highway will be reopened is late Monday afternoon depending on fire conditions.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but it is likely human-caused. Grass from the heavy rain throughout the winter has now dried and created a lot of fuel for fire. 

As of Saturday morning, the fire was already over 1,000 acres, and a Southwest Incident Management Team 1 was ordered. 

This time of year, it is especially prudent to be firewise around your home.

These are key steps provided by the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise program:

In and around your home

  • Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches, and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
  • Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. Learn more about the basics of defensible space on the Firewise website.
  • Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
  • Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck, or porch.
  • Wildfires can spread to treetops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
  • Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
  • Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
  • Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
  • Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
  • Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
  • Learn more about how to protect your home and property at www.firewise.org.

Create an emergency plan

  • Assemble an emergency supply kit and place it in a safe spot. Remember to include important documents, medications and personal identification.
  • Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.
  • Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place.
  • Learn more about emergency preparedness planning on NFPA’s emergency planning webpage.