The Watch Fire has burned more than a dozen homes and 1,115 acres in eastern Arizona since it started late Wednesday around 11 p.m. The cause is under investigation, but arson is suspected.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe declared a state of emergency on Friday. They say it’s their worst fire in 30 years and have asked for help from state and federal governments.
The fire damage stretches between the towns of Peridot and San Carlos, knocking out power lines. As of Friday afternoon, the fire had destroyed 13 homes and left at least 75 people without homes. Hundreds more have been evacuated.
No injuries or deaths have been reported.
“This fire is particularly devastating,” said San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler in a statement. “We have never experienced anything like this.”
Some families lost everything. Elders lacked transportation, and children ran without shoes to escape. Rambler thanked first responders from neighboring counties and Indigenous communities for their help.
Fire personnel from the Tonto Apache Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Ak-Chin Indian Community, and the town of Globe are also helping.
Governor Katie Hobbs allocated $400,000 from the Joint Heat Relief Initiative to fund the emergency response in Gila County.
“We need more support,” Hobbs said. “I stand with the San Carlos Apache Tribe in asking the federal government for a major disaster declaration to allow FEMA to provide critical assistance during this fire season.”