Contributed Photo: San Carlos is inundated with smoke on Friday morning. The Tribe has called for a State of Emergency for the Watch Fire that has destroyed at least 13 homes.
Contributed Article
SAN CARLOS APACHE RESERVATION. – The San Carlos Apache Tribe has declared a state of emergency and requested disaster assistance from the state and federal governments to battle the Watch Fire that has destroyed at least 13 homes leaving at least 75 people homeless and forcing the evacuation of more than 400 people. Arson is suspected and under investigation.
“We have endured fires before, but the human scale of this one is particularly devastating,” said San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler. “Unfortunately, multiple families lost homes. It was horrible all the way around. I have received reports of families leaving with nothing, elders having no transportation, and kids running with no shoes. We have never experienced anything like this.”
The Watch Fire is the most serious structural fire on the Reservation in at least 30 years. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
“We are thankful for the first responders as well as Governor Katie Hobbs, Graham County, Gila County, the Town of Globe, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Tonto Apache Tribe, and to all those who have provided their assistance,” Chairman Rambler continued.
The fire began about 11 p.m. Wednesday night and spread into the bed of the San Carlos River. Firefighters quickly responded to the brush fire but high winds from a Thursday afternoon thunderstorm caused the fire to rapidly spread.
Fire damage stretches between the towns of San Carlos and Peridot. The fire has impacted 1,115 acres and is currently zero percent contained. The fire has damaged power lines in San Carlos knocking out power to the community.
A Type 3 fire response team is on site and a Complex Incident Management Team will take over management of the fire this afternoon.
Donations of beverages, non-perishable food, gift cards, clothing, and pet food are urgently needed. Please deliver your contributions to the Apache Gold Casino, 777 Geronimo Springs Blvd, San Carlos, AZ 85550. Please see the attached image for specific locations.
For those unable to travel to the Casino, the Graham County Chamber of Commerce is offering to collect and transport donations on your behalf. Please drop off your donations at the Chamber (1051 W Thatcher Boulevard, Safford, AZ 85546) by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 12, or at the Graham County Fair Grounds during the Battle of the Bands event between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 13.
𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐞-𝐌𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 is accepting donations: of water, food, electrolytes, household items, and personal hygiene items for people affected by the Seven Mile Wash District and Peridot District wildfire. Donate today at the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce; for information regarding donations, please contact Angel Ruiz at (928) 425-4495.
𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 has offered temporary shelter to care for displaced animals and is accepting donations of dog, puppy and cat food, as well as water for animals. During similar past emergencies, food and water were the most critical needs for the animals in our care. If you are able to donate any of these items, please bring them to the Gila County Animal Care and Control building near Gila County Fairgrounds–staff will make sure that the donated food and water are delivered to the animals in need. Our goal is to assist every displaced animal and reunite them with their families. Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated during this challenging time.
