Residents of Navajo County in Arizona have been urged to evacuate due to a massive fire burning nearby. The evacuation notice was issued by the Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness office around 7:45 AM for individuals near Hansen and Sunset lanes, just north of SR-260, as reported by AZ Family.
Evacuate the Area Immediately
“Residents in the area of 3093 Sunset Ln, Lakeside need to evacuate the area. GO NOW! Updates will be provided shortly, please follow public safety instructions to leave the area,” reads a Facebook post by Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness.
The post adds, “Residents in the affected evacuation area may go to the Blue Ridge High School Gymnasium. Please drive carefully.”
Current Situation and Impact
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office announced that crews are responding to a structure fire in the area, but the specific type of structure involved remains unclear. Limited water supply has complicated firefighting efforts, with Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District crews battling the fire on-site.
Sunset Lane and SR-260 are closed to all traffic while crews fight the blaze. Drivers are urged to use alternate routes.
Fire Update: Resources Mobilized
Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District wrote on Facebook, “Large working structure fire off Sunset Lane in Lakeside. Multiple resources on scene, including forest service. Access and water supply are limited. The immediate adjacent neighbors have evacuated. Please avoid the area. Updates to come soon.”
An update from the district added, “The main threat of fire spread has been controlled, but a significant amount of heat remains in the area. The forest service is launching a Type 3 helicopter to drop water on the main fire. Current evacuation orders will remain in effect until air operations are complete.”