Ducey declares state of emergency, directs funds toward Goodwin Fire
Jun 28, 2017, 1:27 PM | Updated: 3:22 pm
Smoke billows from a wildfire locally called Goodwin Fire, near Prescott, Ariz., Tuesday, June 27, 2017. More than 500 firefighters braced for windy conditions Tuesday as they continued to battle the northern Arizona wildfire that has burned 6.8 square miles (17.6 sq. kilometers) so far. (Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP)
(Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency Wednesday that let him send additional funds to battle the growing Goodwin Fire.
It was Ducey’s second fire-related emergency declaration in a week.
In a release, Ducey’s office said the declaration in Yavapai County sent $200,000 to fight the flames that were burning about 15 miles south of Prescott.
“This emergency declaration will ensure every necessary resource at the state’s disposal is made available to assist firefighters and provide aid to displaced residents,” the governor said in the release.
Thanks 2 state funding we were able to install a fuel break which helped keep the #GoodwinFire out of the west end of Mayer. #YavapaiCounty
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) June 28, 2017
The declaration was also a requirement should Arizona request federal aid to combat the blaze.
Ducey’s office said it was working with multiple agencies to coordinate firefighting and support efforts, along with getting aid to those who need it.
“We continue to stand ready to take further action as needed and provide whatever support is necessary,” he said in the release.
Ducey also said he will travel to Yavapai County on Thursday to meet with officials.
Tomorrow I will travel to Yavapai County to meet with local officials, receive a full briefing & visit w/ those impacted by #GoodwinFire
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) June 28, 2017
The Goodwin Fire had burned about 21,000 acres as of noon Wednesday. It was 1 percent contained.
Thousands had been told to evacuate ahead of the blaze, including Mayer and parts of Dewey-Humboldt.
A Red Cross shelter for evacuees was set up at Bradshaw High School in Prescott Valley.
At least 1,000 personnel were working the fire. Some structures had been lost, but it was unknown if they were homes or other buildings.
State Route 69 was shut down Tuesday afternoon between Interstate 17 and Fain Road because of the fire. There was no timetable to reopen the roadway.
State Route 169 was also closed between I-17 and SR 69 because of the blaze.
KTAR’s Jim Cross and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
