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Make donations through the following agencies:

Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs

Arizona Ecumenical Council's Wallow Fire fund

American Red Cross Grand Canyon chapter

Arizona Humane Society

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When did the fire begin and how?

Answer: Fire officials believe an unattended campfire may have sparked the blaze about 1:30 p.m. May 29.

Q: Where does the name "Wallow Fire" come from?

A: Fires are usually named after a feature near the start point. In this case, Bear Wallow Wilderness is located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, near where the fire was first reported.

Q: How many structures have been lost?

A: Forest Service officials say 68 structures (29 residences, 35 outbuildings and four commercial buildings) and one truck have been lost to the fire, six structures have been damaged and more than 4,400 are threatened.

Q: How many acres has the Wallow Fire burned?

A: More than 469,000 acres as of Tuesday morning.

Q: How large is Wallow Fire compared to other fires across the country?

A: The Wallow Fire is the largest active fire in the country, followed by the Honey Prairie Complex Fire in Georgia, which was sparked by lightning and has charred 177,632 acres. In addition, southern Arizona's Horseshoe Two Fire is the nation's third-largest at more than 148,505 acres.

Q: Historically, what are Arizona's largest wildfires?

A: The Wallow Fire is now the largest, with more than 469,000 acres charred. The second-largest fire in state history was the Rodeo-Chediski Fire, which charred more than 468,000 acres in eastern Arizona. The third-largest was the Cave Creek Complex Fire, which consumed more than 248,000 acres in 2005, followed by the still-burning Horseshoe Two Fire, which stands at 157,254 acres, and the 2004 Willow Fire at 119,000 acres.

Q: What is a Type 1 Incident Management Team?

A: A Type 1 team consists of highly trained and experienced wildfire personnel, from federal and state levels, specifically outfitted for wildland fires.

Q: What type of equipment is being used?

A: As of Monday, more than 4,300 fire personnel were on the ground, utilizing 27 bulldozers, 334 fire engines, 66 water tenders and 15 helicopters.

Q: What types of helicopters are being used?

A: There are three types of helicopters. The Type 1 is the heavy-lift helicopter sometimes called a sky crane. It has the ability to dump up to 2,000 gallons of water. Medium-sized helicopters can dump about 500 gallons. Light helicopters are used to move supplies and keep an eye on the fire.

Q: What magnitude is the current evacuation?

A: Fire officials said the following communities have been evacuated: Sunrise, Blue River, Greer, Alpine, Nutrioso, Hannagan Meadow Lodge, Sprucedale Guest Ranch, Brentwood Church Camp, Hannagan campground, KP campground, West Fork Black River campground, East Fork Black River campground, Escudilla Mountain Estates, Bonita, White Mtn. Acres, Dog Patch and the H-V Ranch. There are pre-evacuation notices for Greens Peak, Hidden Meadow and surrounding areas. Springerville, Eagar and South Fork are no longer under evacuation.

Q: What are the current road closures?

A: Wildfires have forced the Arizona Department of Transportation to close more than 200 miles of state highways. Thursday morning, ADOT announced that a 17-mile stretch of U.S. 60, between Springerville and the New Mexico state line, was the latest closure.



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Q: Has anyone been injured?

A: Seven injuries have been reported.

- The Arizona Republic