A wildfire in eastern Arizona burned more than 20,000 acres of flames in a week.
After six days of fighting fire, known as the Greer Fire, fire officials announced that they had controlled the fire. As of May 19, the Greer fire accounted for 39%.
Hundreds of firefighters are working to put out wind-driven wildfires that are currently burning through natural plant materials, including grass, shrubs and wood.
According to an update on May 19 of Inciweb, an information management system maintained by the U.S. Forest Services, a daily update posted, this morning, firefighters were able to add some containment to the fire due to a lot of work gaining heat near the edge of the production line. “Today, all available resources are actively working to ensure fireproof perimeters and cool hot spots to prevent wind embers from spreading. ”
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced that the state will release $200,000 in state funding in fire efforts following a May 17 visit to the fire zone.
“Everything we hear today proves that partnership and coordination are not only happening in catastrophic events,” Hobbs said. “I am committed to helping make sure those families have the resources they need for the fires…I know we’re all looking forward to a bad season.”
This is what we know about Greer Fire so far.
When and where does Greer begin?
Smoke from the Greer Fire on Highway 260 in Springville, Arizona on May 14, 2025.
Around 11 a.m. on May 13, a Greer Fire broke out in Greer, Arizona, a small town more than 200 miles northeast of Phoenix.
The wind-driven fire pushes east/northeast along the ridge along the grass and pineapple oceanozo. According to Inciweb, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
How does the current weather conditions affect the fire?
Firefighters are expected to continue patrolling and lift off the hotspot along the control line to prepare for adverse weather conditions.
A red flag warns that the temperature is warm, the humidity is very low, and it is stronger than the average wind. Until May 19, there were still effects in several areas.
According to the forecasts of the Flagstaff National Weather Service Field Office, weather conditions predict “critical fire weather” in the White Mountains, the Little Colorado Valley and the Northeast Plateau.
Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management's X post shows that dangerous fire conditions are expected to last until May 19. A lighter wind is expected to be held on May 20.
“In red flag conditions, a dry vegetables entering dry flag conditions will start to spread wildfires quickly,” the agency warned. “Tools that avoid burning or use sparks. Do your best to prevent wildfires.”
What areas did the Greer Fire affect?
The Apache County Sheriff’s Office issued a mandatory evacuation order on May 16 for residents in Eagar, Greer, South Fork and all areas west of Interstate 261, three days after the wildfire began.
EAGAR residents are located south of Interstate 260 at the junction of River Road and SR 260/US 180 (the fire is directly in the fire), and the evacuation area is included in the evacuation area. The fire crossed Interstate 261.
The latest Greer Fire evacuation can be seen on an interactive map provided by the National Interagency Fire Center.
The shelter of evacuees is open in the county fairs in the center of St. Johns and Alpine community. Blankets and food can be provided to evacuated people, according to the Apache County Emergency Management Office website.
Greer Fire Animal Victims: Residents can take horses, livestock and other animals
Greer Firefighting Picture
This post originally appeared on Greer Fire Scorches in USA Today: Eastern Arizona
