Greer, AZ—The Greer Fire, a fast-moving wildfire, has scorched over 12,000 acres as of May 16 in Apache County, triggering mandatory evacuations. Federal assistance has been activated, and local Mayors have declared emergencies in what many are calling the region’s most dangerous wildfire since the Wallow Fire of 2011.
A fast-moving wildfire burning in the forests outside Greer, Arizona, has exploded in size this week, scorching over 12,000 acres and forcing the evacuation of entire communities across Apache County. Known as the Greer Fire, the blaze ignited on Tuesday morning, May 13, and has since grown rapidly, fueled by dry timber, steep terrain, and wind gusts reaching over 45 miles per hour. As of Friday afternoon, there is still zero percent containment, and firefighting resources remain stretched as new evacuation orders continue to be issued.
The fire began in the high country surrounding the unincorporated community of Greer, in the heart of Arizona’s White Mountains. Within hours, it had jumped State Routes 260 and 261, and by the end of the first day, it was already threatening homes. Residents of Greer, South Fork, Northwoods, and areas west of Highway 261 were told to evacuate immediately. The town of Eagar was also partially placed under evacuation, with residents south of State Route 260 and west of River Road ordered to leave. Additional neighborhoods in Eagar, Springerville, and rural areas between Water Canyon Road and U.S. 191 were moved to “SET” status, indicating that they should be ready to evacuate at any moment.
Three evacuation shelters have been established in response to the growing crisis: the Apache County Fairgrounds in St. Johns, the Round Valley Rodeo Grounds in Springerville, and the Alpine Community Center. These sites provide refuge, food, and supplies to displaced residents, many of whom fled with little more than their pets and necessities.
The mayors of Eagar and Springerville have declared a State of Emergency in response to the Greer Fire, a rapidly expanding wildfire in Apache County, Arizona. This joint declaration, issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, includes bans on outdoor burning and smoking and restricts public access to certain areas during evacuation orders. Additionally, the Town of Eagar has requested residents and businesses to conserve water to ensure a sufficient supply for firefighting efforts.
Springerville Mayor Shelly Reidhead has been actively coordinating with state and federal officials to address the wildfire threat. She contacted U.S. Representative Eli Crane to seek assistance with forest mitigation efforts. Mayor Reidhead emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating, “Help us manage it… we’re just primed and ready for a huge forest fire.”
Eagar Mayor Steve Erhart has also led the town’s response to the wildfire. Under his leadership, the Eagar Town Council has been addressing wildfire-related issues, including approving resolutions related to wildland fire fees.
Both mayors have declared local states of emergency to mobilize resources and ensure public safety as the Greer Fire poses significant risks to their communities.
Firefighting efforts have escalated significantly. More than 440 personnel are battling the blaze, supported by air tankers, helicopters drawing water from nearby Lyman Lake, and ground crews cutting containment lines through thick, forested ridges. Fire departments from Phoenix, Mesa, Buckeye, Peoria, Salt River, and Scottsdale have been deployed under Arizona’s Statewide Mutual Aid System to reinforce local crews and increase resources.
The heroic efforts of the local first responders, local law enforcement, and County Emergency Management, who began fighting the blaze, proved critical in managing the Greer Fire.
Southwest Area CIMT 3 Incident Commander Matt Rau took command of the Greer Fire on May 15 at 6:00 am and opened his first briefing by thanking the outgoing incident management team, “The management team brought in to manage the job did a fantastic job building on the amazing success of the local units, local resources had an absolute challenge on their hands when the Greer Fire started. The incredible winds, the terrain, and the overall dryness and prolonged doubt we are experiencing in this area made this an incredibly challenging firefight,” said Rau.
Rau continued his briefing, warning, “We are not out of the woods yet.”
The fire destroyed multiple structures, including homes and a travel trailer. Damage to power infrastructure has forced the Navopache Electric Cooperative to shut down electricity to the area’s sections to protect residents and emergency workers.
On May 15, the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved Arizona’s Fire Management Assistance Grant request. This grant provides federal support for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs, including personnel, equipment, and operations. The funding was secured after the towns of Eagar and Springerville, both of which are in the immediate threat zone, issued emergency declarations.
U.S. Representative Eli Crane, who represents Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, acknowledged the grant approval on social media and thanked first responders for their work.
“FEMA has approved Arizona’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant to combat the Greer Fire,” Crane wrote on X. “This will bring critical federal funding to assist those battling this dangerous wildfire. Please continue to pray for our communities, our firefighters, and everyone impacted.”
He further noted that he and other House Natural Resources Committee members have been reviewing legislation, including the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to overhaul federal forest management policies in response to the increasing frequency of catastrophic wildfires.
Arizona Representative Walt Blackman at the state level called on Governor Katie Hobbs to issue a formal emergency declaration. In a press release issued Thursday, Blackman urged immediate executive action.
“This is a dangerous, fast-moving wildfire that threatens homes, livelihoods, and natural resources in our district—especially in and around Greer,” Blackman stated. “I have formally requested a State of Emergency through the Governor’s Office to unlock the critical resources, personnel, and support needed to protect our residents and contain this fire before it causes further damage.”
Though Governor Hobbs has not yet signed a statewide declaration, her office has coordinated closely with the state’s emergency management personnel and firefighting resources.
The fire’s expansion has been relentless. Strong, erratic winds have blown embers over containment lines, and weather forecasts indicate continued dry conditions through the weekend. Fire officials warn that shifting winds could push flames in unpredictable directions, placing more homes and infrastructure at risk. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders promptly and monitor updates from local agencies.
A fire weather watch has been issued for this Saturday and Sunday by the NWS.
The cause of the Greer Fire is under investigation.
For many in Apache County, the Greer Fire brings back memories of the Wallow Fire 2011, which burned more than 500,000 acres and became the largest wildfire in Arizona history. Some longtime residents describe the current fire as the most serious threat the region has faced since then.
As the Greer Fire continues to burn, communities throughout the White Mountains remain on edge, hoping for rain and relying on one another. The communities in Apache County remain strong. #GreerStrong.