Audio By Carbonatix
Another wildfire is burning just about five miles east of Yarnell, where 19 firefighters were killed and several homes were ruined by a fire several weeks ago.
Yarnell appears to be the closest community to the 850-acre French Gulch Fire, and although firefighters have been able to contain a small amount of the fire since it started on Saturday, the number of wildfires across the country has created a competition for firefighting resources.
See also:
–Granite Mountain Hotshots Leader Violated Safety Protocols
The latest update from the fire-management crew says two heavy air-tankers have been ordered for today, although it’s unclear if they’ll come, as they “may be difficult to obtain due to nationwide fire activity.”
There is one hotshot crew among the firefighters battling the blaze, amid terrain that is classified as “extreme.”
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
Although there’s no reason to believe right now that Yarnell is threatened by this fire, but the details of the fire aren’t looking ideal, especially in light of recent events.
The potential for the fire’s growth is rated as “high during daylight hours.” The fire’s spread is classified as “moderate” on down-slopes, with “rapid up-slope runs.”
“There is no road access sufficient to transport crews,” the overview says.
Although the firefighting-personnel count is at 160, the lightning-caused fire is still miles away from the nearest community, which is Yarnell.
As of this morning, the fire was 15 percent contained, and the estimated containment date is Friday.
Send feedback and tips to the author.
Follow Matthew Hendley on Twitter at @MatthewHendley.
