Billy Fire Updates in Gila County
The Billy Fire Department in Gila County has issued new evacuation orders for certain residents, as reported by officials from the Prince National Forest Service.
About 15 miles south of Young, Arizona, the fire has spread across 8,869 acres, with approximately 22% containment. It started on July 9 due to lightning, according to the Forest Service.
The evacuation status has escalated to “Go” for residents in Ellison Ranch and neighboring Murphy Ranch. In contrast, other areas such as Elk Camp, Trucka Ranch, Circle Ranch, Johnson Ranch, and Cook Ranch are still in the “set” pre-evacuation phase. Essentially, that means residents need to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, as advised by the Forest Service.
Route 288 has been closed to traffic from Mile Marker 298.3 to Young’s South and Mile Marker 276 until the morning fog dissipates. The Forest Service noted that, outside of closure times, pilot cars would help ensure safe passage when visibility improves.
The entire forest is under stage 2 fire restrictions, limiting activities like campfires, smoking, and using firearms. Only propane devices are allowed for cooking and heating.
On August 10, temperatures are expected to hover between 79-83 degrees, with humidity potentially reaching 30%. There will be western winds at 2 to 6 mph, with gusts possibly hitting 20 mph, as stated by the Forest Service.
Terrain difficulties are making access for ground crews a challenge. However, Air Force crew members have successfully dropped around 28,000 gallons of water on the blaze, helping to reduce its intensity. Additionally, hazardous materials from previous mining activities have been identified in the vicinity, raising safety concerns.
A fresh shift of firefighters will commence operations overnight on August 10, which could help them tackle the fire under more favorable conditions. Currently, there are 445 personnel, three helicopters, ten crew members, and nine medical crews dedicated to managing the fire.
A public meeting is scheduled for August 11 at 4 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Community Center, located near State Route 288 and Midway Avenue in Young.
