Brady Fire has residents at Edge for shooting
Although evacuations from the Brady Fire in Yabapai County are declining, residents still have an advantage when the dry season we experienced creates an even more dangerous wildfire season. Nicole Krasean in Fox 10 has a story.
Yabapai County, Arizona. – The “Go” evacuation order has been lifted for those living in a pine flat near the location where the Brady fire is burning.
This is good news for our neighbors, but it’s a rare wildfire activity in February.
Some people are worried about the recent dry weather match.
As the sun sets on the third day of the Brady Fire shootout, residents are currently exposed to “ready” status.
Residents do not need to evacuate, but they have the advantage in having to evacuate again.
What they are saying:
“It’s the driest thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been here for 60 years,” said Wayne Allen, a rancher in Yabapai County.
Allen not only has perks to living in the Mayer area, but also has concerns when it’s wildfire season.
This week he saw flames and smoke from the Brady fire become visible from his property.
“It’s a bit of a hassle,” Allen said. “It’s because, especially when the wind is blowing, if it’s the highest peak over that ridge, it could be here within four hours.”
Allen has evacuated from his home in the past. This is an extra hassle when you have livestock or pets.
More important defensive space than ever
Local perspective:
He says it’s not just the hills that need to be vigilant about defensible spaces.
“Take the brush away from your home. People living in town keep mowing the grass and keep the weeds away from your home. That’s the only way you can protect yourself,” he says. I did.
Allen says there are communities where new residents need to recognize the fire risk of their property in case history and Mother Nature decide to repeat themselves.
Backstory:
“When the Goodwin fire burned back nine years ago, there was no home (left),” Allen said. “We have a lot of houses, trailers, etc. That could be the same thing.”
Allen says that there hasn’t been any rain this winter, creating a fire risk all year round.
“Now it’s dry with this, so it’s just a time bomb and I’m waiting for it to disappear,” he said.
What’s next:
Yabapai County Emergency Management Officer said the obstacle will be removed at 6am Friday, but at this point there is no further threat to the Pine Flat community.
