GREER, AZ (AZFamily) -- The Greer Fire has jumped a freeway and fire crews are preparing for a tough couple of days as more acres burn in Apache County.
As of 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, the flames had burned 7,052 acres and destroyed three buildings and a travel trailer, officials said. Fire crews said a couple of hundred people had been forced to leave their homes.
On Wednesday afternoon, anyone south of State Route 260 and west of River Road was ordered to evacuate. Officials said it was a good idea because the flames pushed to the east and jumped State Route 261.
The weather hasn't cooperated as sustained winds remain at about 40 miles per hour. The Greer Fire is burning through drought-stricken juniper and lots of grass. While crews hoped the Wallow Fire burn scar would help, Tiffany Davila with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said the flames burned right through. "Firefighters have a long night on their hands," she said.
Davila said the fire started on the west side of Greer late Tuesday morning and has since spread. Investigators said the cause is under investigation.
All of Greer remains evacuated, including areas within a 1-mile radius of North Woods Estates and South Fork and areas west of Highway 261. Area mayors issued a declaration of emergency on Tuesday.
The Phoenix Fire Department reported that the Statewide Mutual Aid System was officially activated on Wednesday, which will deploy crews from Phoenix, Buckeye, Mesa, Peoria, Salt River, Scottsdale and some High Country departments to assist. The response includes 26 firefighters, three engines, a ladder truck, an ambulance and other support personnel.
Davila said on Wednesday, there was a window where firefighters used water scoopers on the south side of the wildfire. They have a 20-minute turnaround with the Lyman Reservoir nearby. "Next couple of days are going to be problematic for firefighters," Davila said.
Apache County Fairgrounds (has capacity for small and large animals) -- 825 4th N, St. Johns, AZ
Round Valley Rodeo Grounds (for residents with RVs and/or large animals) -- 7 US-180, Springerville, AZ
Alpine Community Center -- Alpine, AZ
The wildfire has also impacted state highways in the area. Below is the current list of ADOT closures as of 11 a.m. Wednesday:
There's no estimated time for the highways to reopen.
The mayors of Eagar and Springerville issued a joint Declaration of Emergency on Tuesday due to the wildfire threat, which bans outdoor burning of any type, including smoking. The declaration also states that if an evacuation order is given, public access to any public building, street or other public place is prohibited.
The Town of Eager asks that all residents and businesses conserve water immediately to ensure an adequate water supply for fighting the fire and other emergency services. Springerville officials say the Town Hall will be closed on Wednesday for normal operations, but staff will be on-site to manage any emergencies.
Donations for evacuees can be dropped off at the Springerville Annex Building, located at 309 S. Mountain Avenue. Town officials are asking for donations of water, electrolytes, hygienic items and individually packed items such as food, diapers and baby formula.
While Greer Fire District officials previously indicated the wildfire was possibly started by an electrical transformer damaged by high winds, the cause remains under investigation. Navopache Electric Cooperative (NEC) says crews were dispatched to the area, deenergized its equipment and found no damage to any of its transformers.
Gov. Katie Hobbs posted the following message on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday:
"The team at DFFM is actively engaged with local and federal partners responding to a fire near Greer in Apache County that has already destroyed multiple structures. Residents are being evacuated and are advised to stay out of the area. I'm thinking of all those affected and am deeply grateful for our brave firefighters."
Over 200 personnel are assigned to the Greer Fire as of Wednesday afternoon, including hotshot crews, hand crews and two state task forces made up of engines, water tenders and dozers.