Greer Fire in Arizona burns over 18,000 acres
GREER, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - For a fifth consecutive day, more than 500 fire personnel have been working tirelessly to bring some containment to the Greer Fire in eastern Arizona.
Saturday brought the return of high winds to the fire line, leading to an increase in size of more than 18,000 acres.
"The winds did test some of the lines, but all the lines are holding," said Tiffany Davila, Public Affairs Officer with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
A day of significant progress for hundreds of firefighters battling the Greer Fire in the mountains south of Eager and Springerville.
"It's been weather, wind driven. It's pushing through dry, drought stricken fuel. It's pushing through canyons and areas where really the topography is fueling that fire," Davila shared.
On Saturday, Governor Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) toured the fire's point of origin north of Greer. She learned about four homes and two outbuildings which have been destroyed by the fire, prompting her to declare a state of emergency.
"This community and area has been hard hit by wallow most recently, and it does, it does increase the resiliency and how they work together to support each other," Governor Hobbs expressed.
Eagar residents Carl and Beverly Smith chose to leave their home just outside the evacuation zone.
"We decided not to sleep in the house because we were afraid, who knows? Embers could come and set the property on fire when we're sleeping," Smith said.
That feeling of worry felt by people inside the evacuation zone too who have decided to stick it out remaining in their homes.
"I feel pretty confident that my house is safe," said Jerry Porter, a longtime Eagar resident.
Porter hopes the fire lines continue to hold saying, "We're just praying that those hold and keep a close eye on the smoke back there."
With another round of red flag wind conditions expected Sunday, fire officials preaching patience for those affected.
To keep up-to-date on the Greer Fire, click here.
