Watermelon Fire burning near Sedona

SEDONA, Ariz. — A human-caused wildfire near Sedona precipitated I-17 to be shut down in each instructions on Sunday.

The fireplace has been referred to as the Watermelon Fire and was sparked round 2:50 p.m. on June 5 by an RV, in keeping with Coconino National Forest officers.

The fireplace is burning about 4 miles north of Sedona exit 298, in keeping with authorities. But crews have stopped its progress.

We are persevering with to trace the efforts to comprise the blaze and can replace the general public on any new data as quickly because it turns into accessible. Please verify again typically for the newest data. 

Head to 12news.com/wildfires to get the newest data on all of the fires burning round Arizona. 

Here’s a breakdown of every part we all know concerning the fireplace: 

• I-17 closed off in each instructions north of SR 179 
• 25-30 acres burned
• Forward progress of the hearth stopped, officers say 

The Watermelon Fire has burned 25-30 acres and is 0% contained as of Sunday, fireplace officers stated. 

There are not any communities underneath “GO,” “SET,” or “READY” orders

Go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network website to learn the way the READY, SET, GO evacuation system works. 

I-17 was closed in each instructions just a few miles north of SR-179.

It’s unknown when the freeway will reopen.

Get the newest data on tips on how to keep protected and defend your property throughout wildfire season in Arizona on our 12 News YouTube playlist right here. 

Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency provides equipment to convey with them if they’re evacuated from their houses, particularly as Arizona residents are starting to see early widespread fireplace exercise all through the state. 

An emergency provide equipment must be put collectively lengthy earlier than a wildfire or one other catastrophe happens. Make positive to maintain it simply accessible so you possibly can take it with you whenever you need to evacuate. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a catastrophe retailer emergency provides in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or different containers. 

Residents ought to be sure they’ve the requirements, akin to three gallons of water per individual and a three-day provide of ready-to-eat meals, the NFPA stated. A primary-aid equipment, prescription medicines, contact lenses, and non-prescription medicine also needs to be taken into consideration.  

Copies of any vital household paperwork, together with insurance coverage insurance policies, identification, checking account information, and emergency contact numbers also needs to be taken and put into a water-resistant, moveable container in your equipment, the NFPA stated.  

The affiliation lists different objects that might assist in a catastrophe, together with: 

• Sleeping bag or heat blanket for every individual 

• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA climate radio to obtain up-to-date data 

• Dust masks or cotton T-shirt to filter the air 

• Matches in a water-resistant container 

• Complete change of clothes together with lengthy pants, lengthy sleeve shirts, and durable sneakers saved in a water-resistant container 

• Signal flare 

The total NFPA guidelines of provides will be discovered here.