GLOBE, AZ – Firefighters continue to battle the Pioneer Fire Wednesday burning on the ridge north of East Mountain.
The lightning-caused Pioneer fire has burned at least 497 acres and a Red Flag warning was in effect Saturday due to strong gusty southwest winds and low humidity.
Officials say the fire is burning a mixture of ponderosa pine, manzanita, and oak brush.
There are four helicopters and 215 available personnel fighting the fire.
The ground crews are dealing with steep terrain, thick vegetation, and difficult access, according to officials.
Smoke may be visible in the East Mountain area for the next several days. The public is asked to use caution on highway 77 due to the high volume of fire traffic.
Due to the fire activity, the public is asked to avoid the fire area, the Pioneer Pass Recreation Site and the East Mountain Trail.
Members of the communities in proximity to the Pioneer Fire have expressed concern about the intensity and the content of the smoke. Atmospheric conditions in the area have been conducive to ventilation and the dispersal of the smoke such that few complaints have been voiced. If the smoke does become a problem, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality offers the following:
If smoke from wildfires is affecting you and your family consider some of the following actions:
- If you smell smoke and/or are beginning to experience symptoms, consider temporarily locating to another area as long as it is safe for you to do so.
- Move indoors and stay there with doors and windows closed.
- Run the air conditioning, the fan feature on your home heating system with the heat turned off. The filtration systems on home systems can provide some benefit.
- Run room air filtration units.
- Reduce your physical activity level. Do not exercise.
