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The Wallow Fire, the largest in Arizona history growing to approximately 532,086 acres, on Friday has been estimated at 67 percent contained. However, burnout causes growth on eastern and southern Sections of Wallow Fire, according to Apache County Sheriff's Office.

According to Arizona Information Network (AzEIN), warm temperatures and low humidity will result in continued active fire behavior.

AzEIN also said timbered fuel types will maintain intensities through the night helping drive fire spread. Occasional torching may cause potential short range spotting supported by down slope winds. 

On Friday, winds will become southwest at 10 mph increasing to 15-20 in the afternoon with gusts to 30 mph expected over parts of the fire. Temperatures will be in the 90's at 6,000 ft and relative humidity at 6-9 percent.

This weekend, a wind event is expected that will test the lines along the eastern portion of the Wallow Fire. 

On Friday, around 2,846 people, including 12 hotshot crews and 43 hand crews, are working to contain the fire which has reached to the location of Apache, Navajo, Graham, and Greenlee Counties, White Mountain Apache Reservation, San Carlos Apache Reservation, Arizona, Catron County, New Mexico.

The operations have used 15 Helicopter; 5 Air Tankers available, 154 Engines, 54 Water Tenders and 19 Dozers.

The Wallow Fire on Sunday had burned 32, damaged 5 and threatened 818 residences. Meanwhile, the fire threatened 79, destroyed 4 commercial properties. The fire also threatened 228, damaged 1 and destroyed 36 outbuildings.

Authorities said the Wallow Fire resulted from human activity on May 29. The fire has forced thousands people to evacuate from several eastern Arizona communities including  Blue River,  Nutrioso, Eager Sunrise, Greer, Alpine and Springerville.

Following are important information from AzEIN:

Fire Update:

There has been some growth on the eastern and southern section of the fire in the areas of Luna and the Blue River drainage in the Stray Horse area. This was a result of the fire backing down hill and a burnout of a 50 acre island of unburned vegetation north of the Luna River.

Military Mobile Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) aircraft dropped retardant both directly on the fire line and ahead of the backing fire in these drainages to slow the progress of the fire to allow firefighters more time for line construction. 

In the southwest portion of the fire, resources continue to patrol, mop up and repair containment lines. 

Today's conditions were similar to those experienced when the fire made its biggest runs. Winds were out of the west at 12 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Strong up slope/up valley winds are expected in the afternoon. 

Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team members continue working in the fire area evaluating soil and vegetation impacts from the fire and formulating plans to mitigate future damage. Plans are underway to obtain large quantities of straw and grass seed and to spread it over the most significantly damaged Forest Service lands prior to the monsoon season.  

Power remains out in Hannagan Meadow and portions of the area north of the Blue River.

The Wallow Fire burned vast portions of the White Mountains including areas of steep terrain which will make numerous locations vulnerable to flash floods and debris flows even in moderate intensity (10 - 15 minutes) rains.

Some area streams and rivers are likely to see flows beyond anything seen in decades if typical or above average rains occur. This summer, all residents near streams, rivers, or steep burned hillsides should be alert to flooding and debris flows. Residents should be aware that area roadways may become impassible due to mud, rock and debris slides or due to streams and washes overwhelming existing culverts and bridges.

Smoke from the ongoing wildfires in AZ will continue to impact residents in the Wallow Fire area including southwestern N.M. For more information, link to the smoke outlook for the most recent forecast posted at: http://smoke.airfire.org/sw-outlook [the PDF of the smoke outlook], http://smoke.airfire.org/sw-outlook/map [the PNG map], http://smoke.airfire.org/sw-monitoring [the PDF of the monitoring report]

 A Crisis Intervention Line (928) 333-2683 is available for residents suffering from the stress of living with fire danger. 

 An Individual Assistance Service Center (IASC) is open daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Round Valley Public Library, 179 S Main, Eagar for all evacuated Arizonans to access information to assist in their personal recovery from the fire.

 For more safety information see:  http://tinyurl.com/6zvcrck.

 Apache County and local Fire Departments have begun identifying locations for staging of sandbags in anticipation of the monsoon season. More information will be provided as locations are confirmed.

Current Evacuations:       

 Evacuations remain in effect in areas north of the Blue River, AZ.

For information for damage to homes and small business:

 For information go to the following web link:  http://tinyurl.com/6a94bk5

Evacuee Information:

 Evacuees from areas north of the Blue River may pick up their mail at the Alpine Post Office.  

Pre-Evacuation Alert:

 A pre-evacuation alert continues in Apache County for Greens Peak, Hidden Meadows Lodge and surrounding areas.

 Residents in these communities are asked to remain prepared for evacuation.

Road Closures according to Arizona Department of Transportation: http://www.azdot.gov

 US 191 is closed between Alpine and north of Clifton (milepost 176-253).

 SR 261 (mileposts 395-413) and SR 273 (mileposts 383-394), to Big Lake & Crescent Lake are closed.

Closures and Restrictions:

 San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation: Fire Restrictions and area closures remain in effect.

 Apache - Sitgreaves National Forest: The Springerville, Alpine, Clifton and Lakeside Ranger Districts of the Forest remain under a forest closure until further notice. A closure order is in effect for portions of the Sitgreaves side of the National Forest. Contact the Arizona fire restrictions hotline for information at (877) 864-6985 or www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php.

 Gila National Forest: A closure is in effect for the western portion of the Gila National Forest.  Call (575) 388-8201, TTY (575) 388-8497 or see http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila.

 Fort Apache Indian Reservation:  Partial area closures are in effect for the eastside of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. See http://www.wmat.nsn.us/.

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