Evacuations lifted, roads back open in Greer Fire area as blaze reaches 39% containment
Eastern Arizona residents evacuated due to the Greer Fire can now return home, and roads threading through the area were reopened.
The news comes as the fire, which has spread over 20,324 acres, was 39% percent contained as of the evening of May 19, according to InciWeb, a federal tracker.
'Today is the day there is light at the end of the tunnel," Haley Nicoll with Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness told a gathering of locals inside Round Valley High School's auditorium.
Residents were briefed on 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 fire fighting continues while residents try to resume life as normal.
Fire officials reported they have 39% of the fire contained, which means they are fairly confident it will not spread beyond the boundaries they have established. As of May 19, the fire had affected 20,324 acres.
The fire was still burning, and firefighting continues, said Matt Rau, incident commander for the fire.
'You're going to see some glowing out there — the fire is not out," he said.
There was good news and bad news at the briefing.
The good news — Winds, which had gusted up to 45 mph May 19, were dying down and the coming days were expected to be quieter, the National Weather Service said.
The bad news — The area will remain dry through the coming weekend. There was a slight chance of some precipitation early next week.
Power was back on throughout the area, from Greer to Big Lake and North Fork to Sunrise, said Chuck Moore of the Navopache Electric Cooperative. Moore said power lines had been de-energized to avoid having trees fall and heighten the risk of the fire's spread.
Most roads in the area were now open, including the main artery of State Route 260 and State Route 373. 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.
Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness placed two dumpsters at the Greer Community Center so residents can dispose of spoiled food and yard waste.
Staffers were conducting a community survey to determine specific needs and how to match resources to those needs.
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 areas 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
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