THATCHER — The haze that settled on the Gila Valley Thursday is likely the result of smoke from a fire in a neighboring state.
That’s according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Tucson, who said the service is seeing easterly winds that could be carrying toward Graham and Greenlee counties smoke from the Black fire northeast of Silver City, N.M. Increased moisture content in the air could also be helping in keeping the haze settled over the Gila Valley.
The Black fire has burned 298,440 acres in the Gila National Forest, and is at 44 percent containment as of Thursday. It has destroyed two structures thus far and the start is believed to be human caused.
Graham and Greenlee counties are also under an excessive heat warning Thursday through Sunday. Average daytime highs are expected to be around 107, but could spike as high as 118 in some areas.
To prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
● Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
● Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
● Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
● Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
