The Cedar Fire has spread to 42,802 acres and Governor Doug Ducey has called a state of emergency for Navajo County. According to fire officials, the fire was 22 percent contained early this week and 967 personnel were battling the blaze. With the state of emergency, more resources will be available.
It was reported that the fire had not spread to the north, but was burning further east. Burnout operations are planned for the southwest corner of the fire if conditions allow. State Route 60 between mileposts 318 and 338 remain closed to travelers due to smoke conditions and firefighters actively working near the roadway, but State Route 73 through Whiteriver remains open from Carrizo to Hon-Dah.
The pre-evacuation notice will remain in effect for the communities of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Hon-Dah, McNary and Cedar Creek. If an evacuation notice is given, the evacuation sites will be Round Valley Middle School in Eagar via SR 73 and then SR 260 east. There is also an evacuation site at Holbrook High School to the north. Livestock may be taken to Round Valley Rodeo Grounds, the Holbrook Fairgrounds and the Taylor Rodeo Complex. Community members who wish to evacuate now can go to the sites listed above.
Emergency management officials also ask that unmanned aircraft such as drones be kept out of the area, as they may interfere with firefighting aircraft and endanger the safety of flight crews.
