Updated at 8:12 p.m. MDT June 21, 2021
On Monday during a 3 p.m. satellite overflight the Wyrick Fire was about 2 miles north of Highways 260 and 277 at the closest points, and was three miles from the intersection of the two highways. Most of the spread of the fire on Monday was on the southeast side toward Heber.
To see all articles on Wildfire Today about the Wyrick Fire, including the most recent, click HERE.
From the Incident Management team at about 6 p.m. Monday:
“The Wyrick Fire has advanced toward Heber, and reached a starting point for setting evacuations into motion in Heber and Overgaard. Current status as of 3 pm:
“Areas in READY Status: Overgaard south of Highway 260 High Country Pines in Heber Kendall Ranch / Camp Ponderosa.
“Areas in SET Status: Areas in Heber not identified as Ready or Go status Chevelon Ranches and Retreat Communities in Overgaard south of Highway 277 and North of Highway 260.
“Areas in GO Status (leave now): Antelope Valley Despain Ranch Heber and Overgaard North of 260 AND 277.”
Originally published at 9:56 p.m. MDT June 20, 2021.
During the first four hours after it was reported at 2 p.m. Saturday June 19, the Wyrick Fire in east-central Arizona was mapped at 173 acres. But Sunday the lightning-caused fire grew substantially while being pushed by outflow winds from thunderstorms. Based on heat detected by satellites, by 3:18 p.m. MDT it had grown to at least 450 acres.
An advisory from the Incident Management Team Sunday afternoon said it was 1.5 miles from 95A and was spreading in all directions.
Late in the afternoon it was producing a very large smoke column topped by a pyrocumulus cloud and causing spot fires up to one-quarter mile ahead. It is burning in pinyon-juniper and grass.
At 3:18 p.m. Sunday the fire was in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest 5 miles northwest of Heber, 3 miles north of Highway 260, and 48 miles east of the Backbone Fire. (See the map below.)
Hi Rich we just came through there yesterday today 377, 277, and 260 towards HO is closed turning people around at Lamplighter RV park in Payson. Go into Heber Overquard Fire Department Facebook it gives you good information. Good luck. We are praying for you.
I forgot to mention that water tankers have been going to and from the fire all day.
The fire seems to be headed NW away from HO as far as I as I can determine from the smoke. I live in Overgaard and looking at the smoke.
Hope that helps.
Does anyone know what direction the bulk of the fire is moving?
We are Heber-Overgaard residents and are vacationing in Colorado. We keep getting conflicting statements about whether the fire is headed toward or away from town.
Hi Rich we just came through there yesterday today 377, 277, and 260 towards HO is closed turning people around at Lamplighter RV park in Payson. Go into Heber Overquard Fire Department Facebook it gives you good information. Good luck. We are praying for you.
We have a place up there where just evacuated yesterday…We went through Rodeo-Chedeski as we’ve been up there over 25 years. Depends on if it rains, wind literally…the fire & forestry have their hands full. Keep an eye on this website as the roads are closed around except going out, anyway. Last time (2004) they went house to house in evac areas & left a marker to keep it safe & saved our homes..so it depends♡
Thanks Shelly for the information on the Wyrick fire. Good talking to you have a good day….