Greer Fire in Arizona Continues to Wreak Havoc

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

Aerial view of the Greer Fire demonstrating the extent of the wildfire and emergency response efforts.

News Summary

The Greer Fire in eastern Arizona has consumed nearly 16,000 acres since starting on May 13, 2025, and remains 0% contained. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for several communities in Apache County, while shelters are set up for displaced residents. As fire conditions worsen with high winds and dry weather, local authorities are working to manage the crisis with assistance from FEMA. The cause of the fire is under investigation, as air quality is impacted across surrounding regions.

Arizona

The Greer Fire in eastern Arizona has consumed approximately 15,985 acres since its ignition on May 13, 2025. As of now, the fire remains 0% contained and poses a significant threat to nearby communities, prompting mass evacuations and declared states of emergency.

Residents in several Apache County communities are facing mandatory evacuation orders. The affected areas include Greer, South Fork, areas west of State Route 261, and parts of Eagar, specifically south of State Route 260 and west of River Road. Additionally, those living in areas north and east of the fire have been placed on “SET” status, which indicates they should be prepared for possible evacuation.

Evacuation Shelters and Community Response

To assist displaced residents and their animals, evacuation shelters are operational at the Apache County Fairgrounds in St. Johns and the Alpine Community Center. The Apache County Sheriff’s Office is actively patrolling evacuation zones to monitor for any suspicious activity amid the crisis. In response to the disaster, donations are being collected at the Round Valley Annex in Springerville for affected residents and firefighters.

Fire Behavior and Weather Conditions

The fire’s rapid spread has predominantly been to the east and northeast, aggravated by high winds and severe drought conditions. Weather forecasts indicate worsening conditions over the weekend, with wind gusts reaching between 15-30 mph and diminishing humidity levels, which could further intensify the fire’s behavior. In light of these conditions, fire managers are preparing for a critical fire weather situation. There is a slight chance of light precipitation in the area between May 17 and May 18, which could provide some relief.

Road Closures and Local Infrastructure Impact

In response to the fire, three state roads are closed to ensure public safety: State Route 260 between mileposts 380 and 394, State Route 261, and State Route 373 southbound between mileposts 385 and 390. Multiple structures have been destroyed as the fire continues to progress. Furthermore, the fire has necessitated temporary shutdowns of power in the Greer area by Navopache Electric Cooperative.

Government and Community Support

The federal government has responded to the crisis by authorizing assistance under the FEMA program, which will cover up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs. Meanwhile, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has declared a state of emergency for Apache County to streamline the availability of resources and facilitate an effective response to the wildfire.

Current Resources and Personnel

Over 490 personnel, including specialized incident management teams, are currently engaged in firefighting efforts, utilizing multiple aircraft for the ground operations. Community meetings have been organized to provide updates and address public concerns, such as one held on May 15 at the Round Valley High School Theatre.

Investigation and Air Quality Concerns

The cause of the Greer Fire remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting it may have started due to a damaged electrical transformer. However, no definitive evidence has confirmed this theory as of now. The wildfire’s smoke is impacting air quality across the surrounding regions, especially within the White Mountains.