Wally Fire Triggers SET Order for Tonto Basin’s West Side of Hwy 188

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office has initiated a door-to-door notification campaign for residents in Tonto Basin near Highway 188 due to the imminent threat posed by the Wally Fire.

According to Gila County emergency management, the SET order applies to residents located on the west side of Highway 188. This signifies a significant danger from the fire, urging residents to prepare for possible evacuation by gathering all essential items immediately.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) emphasizes the necessity of having an emergency supply kit ready well in advance. This kit should be stored in an easily accessible location to facilitate a quick evacuation. A typical emergency kit should include three gallons of water per person, a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, a first-aid kit, prescription medications, and important documents stored in a waterproof container.

The NFPA provides guidelines for additional essential items such as a sleeping bag or warm blanket, battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, dust mask, matches in a waterproof container, complete change of clothing, and a signal flare.

Residents in Arizona affected by wildfires or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.

The Arizona Emergency Information Network follows the ‘Ready, Set, Go’ method for wildfire evacuation alerts. A ‘Ready’ alert means preparing an emergency kit and being aware of nearby hazards. A ‘Set’ alert suggests considering voluntary evacuation to a safer location. A ‘Go’ alert indicates the need for immediate evacuation.

The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority advises every home to have working smoke alarms, properly used appliances, and an escape plan. They caution against opening hot doors and recommend selecting a safe meeting place outside the home in case of fire. Free home safety inspections can be scheduled by calling 623-544-5400.

Preventing wildfires involves responsible actions such as ensuring campfires are fully extinguished, avoiding the use of chainsaws or welding equipment on high fire danger days, using proper burn barrels, and refraining from target shooting or using fireworks on state lands. Drivers should avoid throwing cigarette butts out of car windows, ensure tires are properly inflated, avoid parking on dry grass, and check brake pads and trailer chains for potential sparks.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management offers a mobile app for wildfire alerts, downloadable from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

To safeguard homes from wildfires, the NFPA advises keeping roofs and gutters clear of debris, repairing or replacing loose shingles, installing metal mesh screening on vents, and clearing flammable materials from around walls and under decks. Maintaining lawns and spacing trees appropriately can also reduce fire risk.

Additionally, the NFPA underscores the importance of having and practicing an emergency action plan with all household members.

For further information on staying safe and protecting your home during wildfire season in Arizona, visit our 12News YouTube playlist.