Emergency declared as Watch Fire destroys 13 homes, leaves 75 homeless near San Carlos

The San Carlos Apache Tribe declared a state of emergency and requested disaster assistance on July 12 after the Watch Fire burned around 1,115 acres and destroyed at least 13 homes. Arson is suspected and under investigation, according to a news release from tribe officials.

"We have endured fires before but the human scale of this one is particularly devastating," said San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler. "I have received reports of families leaving with nothing, elders having no transportation, kids running with no shoes. We have never experienced anything like this."

The release estimates at least 75 people were left homeless and 400 were forced to evacuate, calling the fire the most serious structural fire on the reservation in 30 years.

Gov. Katie Hobbs authorized $400,000 from the Joint Heat Relief Initiative funding to support the community managing the Watch Fire for emergency response and recovery support resources.

"I stand with the San Carlos Apache Tribe in asking the federal government for a major disaster declaration, allowing FEMA to deliver critical assistance to communities on the ground during this fire season,” Hobbs stated in a news release.

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The Watch Fire began around 11 p.m. Wednesday near the San Carlos Reservation and spread into the bed of the San Carlos River. Firefighters responded but high winds caused the fire to spread quickly. It burned around 1,115 acres after wind drove it through downtown San Carlos. The fire is at 0% containment as of Friday.

Fire damage spread ranged from San Carlos to Peridot and the blaze damaged power lines in San Carlos, knocking out power.

Tribal forestry officials reported heavy smoke from the brush fire in the San Carlos and Peridot areas. Two hours east of Phoenix, the fire caused structural burning and forced evacuations in TC Alley, China Town, Peridot Heights, and Old/New Moonbase, according to a news release from the San Carlos Apache Forest Resources Program.

Transportation is available for residents to an evacuation shelter at Micheal Noline Activity Center at the Peridot Rodeo grounds. Residents can contact 928-961-6259 for transportation.

Fire resources and first responders are on scene. SCAFT Forestry advised people to stay clear of the area.