Mescal Fire Update, June 4, 2021
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
Acres: Estimate 5,500 acres
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 0%
Total personnel: Approximately 200
Start Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Location: 16 mi SE of Globe, AZ; 7 mi NE of Dripping Springs, AZ
Fuels: Desert Brush, Oak, and grass
Type 2 Incident Management Team Taking Command of Mescal Fire
Overview: The Type 2 Southwest Incident Management Team 5, led by Incident Commander Mark Bernal, took command of the Mescal fire at 6am on Friday, June 4, 2021. The Mescal Fire continues to burn approximately 7 miles northeast of Dripping Springs and 16 miles southeast of Globe. There was no flight overnight, so fire acreage is estimated.
Fire Update: The fire grew to the north and northeast on Thursday, driven by gusty afternoon winds. Helicopters and airtankers are being used to slow the spread of the fire, which has now moved on to the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Additional firefighters have arrived and are working to build line where there is a good chance the lines will hold. Crews are protecting powerlines that provide power to the San Carlos Apache Reservation and several area communities. There was minimal fire activity Thursday on the southern side of the fire in the vicinity of the powerlines. The fire is not a threat to any communities at this time, and aviation resources and firefighters are working hard to keep the communities and Mescal Ranch protected.
Weather: Hot and dry weather will continue for the next several days, with 15-20 mph winds out of the west northwest, with gusts up to 30 mph. There is a 10% chance of thunderstorms with accompanying outflow winds possible today.
Smoke: Air Quality for the Globe and surrounding areas is in the moderate range. The Daily Air Quality Index can be found by visiting Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at https://azdeq.gov/node/5914; or by downloading the Air Arizona mobile app on your smartphone. (https://azdeq.gov/airaz)
Values: Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire area includes power lines, cultural and historical sites, which firefighters are working hard to assess and protect.
More Information: Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7507/
Mescal Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mescal-Fire-Information-101095532201192
BLM-Arizona Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona
San Carlos Apache Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY
San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/San-Carlos-Apache-Tribe-Emergency-Response-Commission-2515267281822769
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.