Water Fire: Evacuation order lifted for St. John's community

Evacuation order lifted in St. Johns

ST. JOHNS, Ariz. - On March 3, Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness stated on Facebook, "As a result of a brush fire near Water Street, the Apache County Sheriff's Office and Apache County Emergency Management have recommended that the following areas be placed on a "GO" mode on the Ready, Set, Go model.

What we know:

The evacuation affected the following areas:

All residents on Water Street and surrounding areas
Everyone north of W. Cleveland and between North 2nd West and HWY191

ACEMP said avoid the area. Just before 3 p.m., they posted another message on Facebook:

"IF YOU ARE SEEN GOING AROUND POLICE BARRICADES, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO CITATION
Please avoid the area of N 2nd W to HWY 191 north of W Cleveland Street in St Johns. DO NOT GO AROUND POLICE CAR BARRICADES! First responders are having a hard time reaching the scene."

Responding agencies include St. Johns EMS and Fire, Vernon Fire, Concho Fire, Greer Fire, Alpine Fire, State Forestry, USFS, Timber Mesa, Apache County District 3, Apache County Sheriff's Office, St. Johns Police Department, Department of Public Safety, and Apache County Emergency Management.

At 5:10 p.m., ACEMP stated 70 acres had burned and "forward progression has stopped on the fire at this time, but the strong winds continue to pose a threat."

By 8 p.m. all evacuation orders had been lifted, but local officials are reminding residents there is a heightened fire danger in the area due to the dry winter we've been experiencing.

ACEMP stated, "Fire crews will continue to monitor throughout the night. If active fire in seen in the burn area, call non-emergency dispatch at (928)337-4321 option 6. As a reminder, due to the vulnerability of Apache County's landscape, we remain on READY throughout the entire county year-round. Please prepare NOW and not when emergencies strike."

What we don't know:

The cause of the brush fire has not been released.

A "Go" advisory was issued for all residents St. Johns near Water Street. Map courtesy of Apache County Emergency Management and Apache County Sheriff's Office.

What they're saying:

The Arizona Emergency Information network lists "GO! - Evacuate" as:

Danger in your area is imminent and life-threatening.

Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.

5 P’s of Evacuation

People and Pets and other animals/livestock and supplies.

Prescriptions with dosages, medicines, medical equipment, vision and hearing aids, batteries and power cords, face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.

Papers including important documents (hard copies and/or electronic copies saved on external hard drives or thumb drives), insurance papers, contacts.

Personal Needs including clothing, water, baby supplies, food, cash, credit cards, first aid kits, phones, and chargers. Items for people with access and/or functional needs, such as older adults and children.

Priceless items including photos, irreplaceable mementos and other valuables.

For more information about the Ready, Set, Go program, see https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.