Fire crews gained more control over the Greer Fire as evacuated eastern Arizona residents returned to their homes.
Fire officials announced on May 20 that the blaze is now 55% controlled, up from 39% a day earlier. The size of the Greer Fire is now 20,308 acres, a small reduction from its size on May 19, according to InciWeb, a federal tracker. Fire officials lifted evacuation orders on May 19 and reopened local roads.
“It’s always a good thing when we can add some containment on the fire, so we’re looking good on that part,” Operations Section Chief Bryan Carpenter said during an operational update on May 20.
Residents were briefed on May 19 about what to expect as they return home after being ordered to evacuate days earlier and where to find resources to help them put their lives back in order.
Here’s what to know as the firefighting continues while residents try to resume their lives as normal.
What is the state of the fire?
Fire officials reported they have 55% of the fire contained, which means they are fairly confident it will not spread beyond the boundaries they have established. As of May 20, the fire had affected 20,308 acres.
Carpenter said crews continued operations throughout the night of May 19-20 despite cold weather. Crews would continue to “secure, control, and mop up” throughout the day on May 20, he said.
Crews started efforts to repair suppression efforts, or operations to repair ecological damage resulting from firefighting activities, Carpenter also said. Inciweb defines these operations as the first stage in a long-term process to help a habitat recover from wildfire damage.
What is the weather outlook?
There is good news and bad news in weather predictions.
The good news: Winds, which gusted up to 45 mph on May 19, have died down and are expected to remain more moderate until Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
The bad news: The area will remain dry through the coming weekend. There was a slight chance of some precipitation early next week.
What about electric service?
Power was back on throughout the area, from Greer to Big Lake and North Fork to Sunrise, Chuck Moore of the Navopache Electric Cooperative said May 19. Moore said power lines had been de-energized to avoid having trees fall and heighten the risk of the fire’s spread.
Are area roads still closed?
Most roads in the area were open, including State Route 260 and State Route 373. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management asked motorists to drive carefully on these routes, as fire crews are still active in the area.
A portion of State Route 261, between mileposts 394 and 412, was closed to the general public but will be accessible for local residents, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.
Carpenter said May 20 that some local roads in the fire area remained closed as fire crews continued relying on them for operations.
“Please be respectful of the barricades that are still in place,” Carpenter said.
Where can residents get help?
Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness placed two dumpsters at the Greer Community Center so residents can dispose of spoiled food and yard waste.
Shelter for evacuees was open at the county fairgrounds in St. Johns and at the Alpine Community Center as of May 20, according to the Arizona Emergency Information Network.
Staffers conducted a community survey to determine specific needs and how to match resources to those needs.
What should residents and businesses expect in the coming days?
The area is still in “set” mode, which means locals should be prepared to leave on very short notice.
Businesses can return to normal; there are no restrictions on allowing guests at area hotels and lodges, although all should be mindful that the “set” status applies to them as well.
The fire will still be visible, and firefighting efforts will continue. Residents and travelers should drive with caution.
Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on social media @maryjpitzl.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Greer Fire evacuations lifted, some roads reopen: What to know
