Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Firefighters continue to monitor a wildfire burning along the Gila River while protecting property in its way.
“We’re just going to monitor this fire and let it burn.”
Safford Fire Chief Clark Bingham
Aerial Video Courtesy Aerial Pilot Productions LLC
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – As the wind-swept wildfire in eastern Safford continues its easterly progression along the Gila River, firefighters will continue to observe and protect property as needed.
Large columns of thick, black smoke could be seen erupting from the blaze periodically throughout Tuesday morning and early afternoon as thickets of trees and brush burned.
The fire originated north of the turn at Hollywood Road and Montierth Lane and was first called in at about 5:40 p.m. Monday. The fire is “most likely” human caused, according to Safford Fire Chief Clark Bingham, but its cause is yet to be determined.
Thatcher Fire has assisted on the scene with its Humvee wildland firefighting vehicle. The Gila Herald witnessed the vehicle in action late Monday afternoon and early evening as it drove through the desert and came upon large blazing trees.
However, the main tactic is to allow the fire to burn the riverbed and attempt to keep it contained in that alley.
“We’re protecting any structures and any necessary exposure,” Bingham said. “We’re just going to monitor this fire and let it burn . . . It’s along the riverbed and it’s just working its way.”
The fire burned throughout the night but had died down a bit by Tuesday morning. However, the prevailing winds kicked it back up and sent it on its eastern progression again.
There are no homes currently in the way of its progression but there are some utility poles and pumps that could be exposed. Bingham said his crews will continue to protect any property that needs to be protected.
“We’re pretty positive we can protect all of those so no loss of property is attained,” Bingham said.
The area on fire is extremely sandy and rough terrain and filled with brush that could use being cleansed by the fire.
“It’s horrible to try to get vehicles in and out of there,” Bingham said.
