Contributed Photo: The Watch Fire destroyed 21 homes.
Contributed Article
San Carlos Apache Reservation—The San Carlos Apache Tribe thanks the public for the outpouring of donations of clothing, household goods, food, water, and personal hygiene products to help hundreds of people who have been displaced by the Watch Fire that has destroyed 21 homes and 13 auxiliary structures.
“As we say in our Apache language, Ahi’yi’é (thank you) for the generous support from other tribal communities, the state, neighboring governments, and individuals in the aftermath of this devastating wildfire,” says San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler. “We now have sufficient tangible goods for our displaced tribal members. This is only the first step in rebuilding our community.”
“What we really need going forward is millions of dollars in monetary donations that will be used to rebuild homes, vehicles, critical infrastructure, and landscapes that were damaged by the fast-moving fire,” Chairman Rambler said.
Monetary donations can be sent here.
The Watch Fire began at approximately 11 p.m., July 10 as a small brush fire before erupting into an uncontrolled wildfire the next day when high winds from a thunderstorm caused the fire to rapidly spread in all directions. The arson-started fire remains under investigation.
As of 9:45 a.m., July 16, the Watch Fire has burned 2,162 acres and is 81% contained, according to the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team.
Firefighters established fire lines along the western perimeter of the fire that runs parallel to the San Carlos River and expect these to keep the fire from spreading westward towards populated areas.
Crews are continuing to locate and extinguish areas of residual heat around the eastern perimeter of the fire to increase containment over the next few days. Crews are also prepared to respond to any new fires. (See map of fire.)
Residents are asked to avoid burned structures due to hazardous materials that may have long-term health effects.
“Apache people have overcome extreme hardships in the past and we will come together in this time of crisis. We will use this as an opportunity to make our Tribe stronger and more resilient than ever,” Chairman Rambler said.
