Evacuations lifted for Wyrick Fire in Heber-Overgaard area

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PHOENIX — Evacuations prompted by the Wyrick Fire in the Heber-Overgaard area earlier this week were lifted Thursday morning.

Residents of Antelope Valley, Despain Ranch and Heber-Overgaard north of State Routes 260 and 277 were told to leave and seek shelter on Monday. The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office changed the evacuation status from “GO” to “SET” at 6 a.m. Thursday.

Lightning sparked the Wyrick Fire on Saturday in southwest Navajo County, about 7 miles northwest of Heber in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

It had consumed 7,452 acres as of Thursday morning, with 15% containment. The previous measurement, reported Tuesday, was 7,101 with no containment.

Nearly 300 personnel were assigned to battle the Wyrick Fire and the nearby West Chev Fire, which has consumed 400 acres.

Several highways were closed in the area earlier in the week but were all reopened by Wednesday.

A shelter for evacuated residents was set up at Holbrook High School. Livestock and pets could be sheltered at the Navajo County Fairgrounds.

Most of Arizona’s national forests, as well as state trust lands and parks outside incorporated municipalities, have implemented or planned closures in response to the heightened wildfire risk.

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