PERIDOT — Wildland fire crews are battling a fire on the San Carlos Apache Reservation that started Friday morning.
The Toyo fire, on the Graham County side of the reservation in the Peridot area, was discovered Friday at 10:47 a.m., and is believed to be human caused.
The fire is estimated at about 1,000 acres and is at 0-percent containment.
Because of strong winds pushing the fire toward the San Carlos River, the housing communities of Hallelujah Square and La Bumba City, Route 3 residents and the Peridot Rodeo Grounds are at “Set” status, meaning the order to evacuate is possible.
Four hand crews, two helicopters, five engines and one tanker have been assigned to battle the blaze. They are securing a fire line to the north of the fire, along the structure area on both sides of the San Carlos River.
San Carlos Police have closed U.S. Highway 70 in both directions, from Bylas to Peridot, with re-opening not expected until late Monday afternoon or early Monday evening, pending fire conditions.
Those traveling from the Gila Valley to Phoenix are being redirected to Interstate 10, through Tucson.
“We have to be aware of fire safety around the county, because it is so dry,” said Graham County Sheriff PJ Allred.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4:59 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, with information from San Carlos Apache Forest Resources.
