Inciweb File Photo: A DC-10 VLAT drops retardant while battling the Bighorn Fire last year. Aerial resources such as this are being utilized to help suppress the Mescal Fire currently burning on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
By Jon Johnson
SAN CARLOS APACHE RESERVATION – The Mescal Fire grew overnight to an estimated 5,500 acres with zero percent containment as of Friday, June 4.
The fire began 16 miles southeast of Globe and is currently burning on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. The cause is under investigation.
Helicopters and air tankers are being utilized to slow the spread, so the area is a no-fly zone for drones. While the fire is not currently a threat to any communities at this time, aviation resources and firefighters are diligently working to keep the communities and Mescal Ranch protected.
Roughly 200 personnel are assigned to the fire that started Tuesday, June 1. A Type 2 Incident Management Team took command of the Mescal Fire on Friday.
Sam Fire
The Sam Fire began Thursday, June 3, and is burning terrain inaccessible by ground resources northwest of Bylas.
Two hotshot crews and some firefighters rappelling from helicopters are part of the 40 personnel currently assigned to the fire.
The fire started Thursday, June 3, and the strategy to fight it is full suppression. The blaze was listed at 400 acres as of Friday, June 4, with no cause being identified.
