Two Charged in Wallow Fire

Two Arizona men are facing federal charges for causing the Wallow Fire. The fire burned more than 530,000 acres in Arizona and part of western New Mexico. 26 year old Caleb Malboeuf of Benson and 24 year old David Malboeuf of Tucson will make an initial appearance in federal court in Flagstaff on September 19.

The Wallow Fire destroyed 32 residential structures, four commercial structures and 36 outbuildings. It cost more than $79 million to fight.

An investigation indicates that the fire started when an unattended and unextinguished campfire in the Bear Wallow area spread in high winds after the two cousins left to go on a hike.

Both men were charged with five counts related to causing the fire. A conviction for each of the offenses carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison, a $5,000 fine or both.

ADOT Reopens SR 373 Near Greer

News release from ADOT:

The Arizona Department of Transportation reopened State Route 373, allowing traffic back into the town of Greer (mileposts 386-391). The Wallow Fire in eastern Arizona forced the closure of the nearly five-mile long highway, which is located south of SR 260, on June 6.

Although the highway is now open, ADOT urges drivers to be cautious as efforts continue to bring the fire under control. ADOT is working with fire officials and state emergency managers to ensure the safety of the traveling public and is assisting with traffic control.

In all, approximately 140 miles of state highways are still closed due to several major wildfires burning across Arizona or due to the threat of wildfires. ADOT reminds motorists that the following closures on state highways remain in effect:

US 191 is closed over a 77-mile stretch between Alpine and north of Clifton (milepost 176-253).
SR 261 is closed between the SR 260 junction and SR 273 junction (mileposts 395-413).
SR 273 is closed south of the Sunrise Ski area to the SR 261 junction (mileposts 383-394).
US 180 is closed east of Alpine to the New Mexico state line (mileposts 430-433). The closure extends another 20 miles in New Mexico, to the junction with New Mexico Route 12. For more information: www.nmroads.com.
In southern Arizona, SR 92 is closed between Ramsey Canyon Road and Coronado Memorial Road (mileposts 327-335) due to the Monument Fire south of Sierra Vista.
SR 366 is closed at milepost 118 leading up to Mount Graham (milepost 143) near Safford after the U.S. Forest Service determined the risk of wildfire is too extreme to allow access.
Additional information on the Wallow Fire and Monument Fire can be obtained through the Arizona Division of Emergency Management.

Donations Needed for Wallow Fire Evacuees and Firefighters

Donations are needed for the evacuees and firefighters of the Wallow Fire in the White Mountains.

Items needed include: diapers, baby formula, baby wipes, antibacterial wipes, 33 gallon garbage bags, packaged snack foods, female hygiene products and toiletry items.

The drop off location is Magoon Insurance Group, 218 W. Hackney Avenue in Globe. Items will be delivered to the Show Low Department of Economic Security for distribution by June 25.

For more information contact Christine Lopez at 200-1612 or Monica Magoon at 812-8031.

U.S. 60 Closed Near Springerville Due to the Wallow Fire

From AzEIN:

Nearly 20 miles of U.S. 60 has been closed from Springerville to the New Mexico state line due to the Wallow Fire in eastern Arizona. This closure stretches from milepost 384 to 401.

In all, more than 200 miles of state highways are closed due several major wildfires burning in Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reminds motorists traveling that the following closures on state highways remain in effect:

-- State Route 260 is closed in both directions east of the Hawley Lake turnoff (State Route 473 junction) and Eagar. SR 260 is closed between mileposts 372-398 near Eagar.

-- State Route 373, a 4.5 mile-long highway that connects the town of Greer in eastern Arizona with SR 260 west of Eagar, is closed.

-- U.S. 191 is closed between Alpine and north of Clifton (mileposts 176-253).

-- State Routes 261 and 273, the main access roads to Big Lake and Crescent Lake in the White Mountains, are closed. SR 261 is closed starting approximately seven miles south of SR 260 to Crescent Lake (mileposts 395-413) and SR 273 is closed between the SR 260 junction and to the SR 261 junction (mileposts 378-394).

-- U.S. 180 is closed between the SR 260 junction near Eagar and the New Mexico state line (mileposts 403-433).

-- In southern Arizona, SR 289 is closed along mileposts 2-10, approximately two miles north of the Interstate 19 junction.

-- SR 366 is closed at milepost 118 leading up to Mount Graham (milepost 336) near Safford after the U.S. Forest Service determined the risk of wildfire is too extreme to allow access.

Additional information on the Wallow Fire, Horseshoe Two Fire and Murphy Fire and evacuation orders can be obtained through the the Arizona Division of Emergency Management at www.azein.gov. Information on road closures is available from ADOT by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.az511.gov.

Avoid Fire Areas, Help Through Organized Agencies

The Arizona Division of Emergency Management is asking the public to avoid areas where fires are actively burning to keep the area clear for firefighting operations.

Many of the people who show up at fire scenes offer to help or bring unrequested donations. While the generosity is very much appreciated, this can create an added burden and may even endanger those who are fighting the fire.

The Arizona Emergency Information Network says people can help by donating cash, services or products to non-governmental agencies that are providing assistance through an organized network. Go to www.AzEIN.gov.