ALPINE, Ariz. — Crews stopped forward progress on the Divide Fire burning on the mountain just south of Tal-Wi-Wi Lodge near Alpine.
The fire was reported on May 13 at approximately 1:22 p.m. and is currently estimated at 0.25 acres. According to fire officials, forward progress of the fire has been stopped, though crews remain engaged in mop-up operations in steep, rocky terrain.
Officials said the fire started in a dense mixed conifer stand with heavy dead and down fuels, including an approximately one-foot duff layer. Firefighters are working toward 100% containment before dark on May 13 and hope to reach full control on May 14.
Air resources: Type 1 Helicopter, Type 3 Helicopter. Ground Resources: Flat Top WFM, ASF-E662, ASF-E661, Alpine FD, Navopache Electric, Apache County Emergency Management, and AZ DFFM.
Communities within a half-mile of County Road 2040 in Alpine remain under a SET — Level 2 evacuation warning due to the nearby fire activity. Residents are advised to remain prepared in the event evacuations become necessary.
The evacuation notice was distributed through a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) issued by Apache County Emergency Management and published through PBSWarn.
No injuries or damaged structures have been reported at this time, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Good catch! Keep up the good work!
