Residents in Woodbury Fire’s path notified of potential evacuation

PHOENIX – Officials on Wednesday issued a warning for Roosevelt Lake-area residents, suggesting voluntary evacuations as the Woodbury Fire creeps closer.

Gila County Division of Health of Emergency Management announced a “Set” notification, which is the second step of the Arizona Emergency Information Network’s Ready, Set, Go wildland fire action plan.

The notification level indicates significant danger in the area with the following warnings:

• Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area.
• Grab your emergency go kit.
• Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
• Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials.
• This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate.

The “Go” step, if warranted, would include evacuation orders. The blaze was 41 percent contained early Thursday, but residents still could be asked to leave.

Also on Wednesday, the Roosevelt Lake Marina said it was closing through at least Friday.

The Tonto Basin Forest Service informed us that highway closures are imminent due to the approaching Woodbury Fire. To ensure the safety of our members and employees, we have decided to close the Marina through 6/21 or until containment.
Website: https://t.co/SyjN5F1sCv pic.twitter.com/EYgNe1KBDt

— RooseveltLakeMarina (@RooseveltLake) June 19, 2019

Gila County officials said the blaze near Superior was still 11 miles from the Roosevelt area to the west of the lake, but low humidity, high temperatures and increased winds have the potential to push along fire activity in the coming days.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the human-caused fire had consumed more than 44,000 acres since starting June 8 and was 15% contained. More than 780 firefighter were working to keep it under control.

The Woodbury Fire has yet to damage any structures or result in any evacuations.

A 40-mile stretch of State Route 88 between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Lake has been closed since Friday.

The road is closed from Weavers Needle Vista Viewpoint, 2 miles northeast of Apache Junction, to S.R. 188, which runs along the west side of the lake.

On Saturday, the U.S. Forest Service implemented fire restrictions for the entire Tonto National Forest until the Woodbury Fire is no longer a threat.

The restrictions include fires, campfires or charcoal-burning devices outside campsites’ metal fire rings and pedestal grills, the Forest Service said in a press release.

Residents can sign up here for emergency notifications from Gila County.

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