Lakeside shelter remains open as Wallow rages

(PHOENIX) June 6, 2011 – Red Cross volunteers continue to staff the shelter that was opened late last week in Lakeside, AZ. In total, more than 40 residents of the Alpine, Arizona area and surrounding communities have registered at the Red Cross shelter.

The initial evacuation for the Alpine area included approximately 2,000 individuals. Since that time, the Apache County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation notice for the Greer, AZ community.

The Wallow Fire, now the third largest in Arizona history, has consumed nearly 200,000 acres and continues to expand. High winds are expected in the area today, thus making the fire fighter’s jobs even more challenging. As the fire continues to burn, Red Cross shelter personnel will remain ready to assist community needs within the shelter. Partner agencies such as the Salvation Army remain on standby in the event their larger mobile feeding vehicles and personnel are needed to assist in feeding operations.

Shelter Open
Blue Ridge High School
1200 White Mountain Blvd.
Lakeside, Arizona

Individuals living in wildfire prone communities are encouraged to visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org to learn more about wildfire preparedness. Forms are available that can be shared with neighbors, family members and friends. The basic steps include making a plan, building a kit and remaining informed.