Town of Yarnell engulfed by wildfire, structures burning
Jun 30, 2013, 7:07 PM | Updated: Jul 2, 2013, 7:20 pm
YARNELL, Ariz. — The fast-moving wildfire burning in the central Arizona community of Yarnell, has reportedly engulfed the town.
According to ABC15’s Katie Conner, three structures and one propane tank have burned in the fire.
As of 4:00 p.m. Sunday, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office had advised all residents in the area of Yarnell and Peeples Valley to evacuate.
Arizona State Forestry Division spokeswoman Carrie Dennett says no homes have been lost in the fire northwest of the Yavapai County community of Yarnell, but the blaze was within a half-mile of some homes.
Crews are doing work around the homes to help guard against the fire.
The fire started Friday but picked up momentum Sunday as the area experienced high temperatures, low humidity and windy conditions.
Two hundred firefighters are now working at the fire, but an additional 130 firefighters and more water- and retardant-dropping helicopters and aircraft are on their way.
The Red Cross said it has set up at Yavapai College in Prescott to provide refreshments for people who were evacuated and a break from the heat.
The relief agency said it’s prepared to open a shelter there if the need arises.
Nearby, a 10 square-mile wildfire that began 12 days ago in the Prescott National Forest was 96 percent contained as of Sunday morning.
The Doce Fire forced hundreds of residential evacuations, but those evacuations have since been lifted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
For volunteer, fundraising and other ways to assist those affected by the Yarnell Hill Fire, go to yarnellfallenfirefighters.com.
