Yarnell Hill Fire containment increases to 45%

  Yarnell Hill Fire Update  

  Wednesday, July 3, 9 p.m.  

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AZ Humane Society crosses fire line to rescue pets

The Arizona Humane Society’s (AHS) rescue team was cleared yesterday for rescue efforts behind the Yarnell Hill Fire line in an effort to begin checking in on and rescuing companion animals in need. 

As the state’s designated responder for animals in distress during natural disasters, the AHS response team was deployed Monday afternoon and set up a temporary animal shelter at the Wickenburg High School located at 1090 S. Vulture Mine Rd. Currently, a dozen pets are seeking refuge at the shelter as their owners stay in Red Cross shelters or at nearby motels. That number of pets sheltered could grow as we search the homes of those evacuated from the fire.

AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technicians (EAMTs), led in by an Incident Command Liaison will continue rescue efforts today in the towns of Yarnell and Peeples Valley. For those people who have been displaced or need help locating pets, please contact AHS at 602.390.6429. People can also contact the Humane Society of Wickenburg, 928-684-8801, in an effort to locate missing pets or for help as space and resources are currently still available at the local shelter.

AHS’s sheltering, rescue and medical team consists of one veterinarian, two EAMTs and eight shelter staff as well as two EAMT ambulances and AHS’s 60-foot mobile hospital. Medical and cleaning supplies as well as crates and animal care supplies were transported from Phoenix to Wickenburg.

Thanks to generous donations and thoughtful individuals, we thankfully have all the food, crates and supplies we currently need. However, will continue to assess the situation and provide updates.

For the most up-to-date information on AHS rescue efforts, visit our blog, Facebook and Twitter pages.

(Source: Arizona Humane Society)

Fire Update

Start Date: June 28, 5:30 p.m.

Location:  West of State 89 between Yarnell and Peeples Valley

Size:  Estimated at 8,400 acres

Percent Contained:  45 percent containment

Cause:  Lightning

Personnel: 681 (includes 15 crews and 26 engines)

Aircraft:  Thirteen helicopters are assigned to the incident and air tankers are available to support firefighters.

Evacuations:  Residents of Peeples Valley and Yarnell, evacuated by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, remain out of their homes.  The Yarnell Fire Department and Yavapai County are assessing homes and structures around Glen Ilah and Yarnell.  Red Cross shelters are open at Yavapai Community College in Prescott at 928-717-8210 and at the Wickenburg High School in Wickenburg at 480-213-0706.  People and small animals are welcome at both shelters while large livestock can be taken to Hidden Springs Ranch on Highway 89. 

Fire Closures:  State Highway 89 remains closed between MP 270 and MP 238.  The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has three different road blocks: the junctions of Highway 89 and Hays Ranch Road; Hays Ranch Road and Sickles Ranch Road; and at Buckhorn and Frontier Road.

Fire Conditions and Weather:  Again, temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s, humidity 15-19 percent, and predicted winds out of the west at 4 to 6 miles per hour, gusting up to 12 miles per hour.   Locally, gusts up to 30 mph may occur near thunderstorms.  The decreased relative humidity and increased wind speeds could cause more erratic fire behavior.  No significant rain is expected in the next 7-10 days.  However, overall fire behavior should continue to diminish due to fuels being consumed.

Tomorrow, firefighters will continue work on the eastern flank with a goal of connecting the contained areas on the northeast and southeast corners between Yarnell and Peeples Valley.  On the northern portion, hot shot crews will continue to build line towards a ridge above Peeples Valley.  Scouting will take place along the western flank and contingency plans will continue to be refined in case the fire becomes active again.   Firefighters will also support initial attack in the area as needed.

Creeping and smoldering are expected to continue around the structures, though sometimes not showing until the afternoon, and some areas around structures are still holding enough heat to be a concern.  A plan is being developed to restore utilities and infrastructure to the affected communities.