FEMA has released money to fight the Tenderfoot Fire. State Forestry officials requested funds Wednesday at the start of the fire.
The Tenderfoot Fire is located in Yarnell.
The FEMA funds were granted due to the threat of a possible major disaster due to the fire. The money will provide up to 75-percent of firefighting costs, which typically are from equipment, tools, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities.
The fire is currently moving away from the community of Yarnell in a northeasterly direction, an area where very few structures are present. This area is very rugged in character with very little access. Fire managers will be looking for opportunities to the northeast of the current fire area where fire fighters can safely engage and suppress the fire south of Wagoner Road. There are currently no immediate threats to structures.
Over the last few years fuel reduction projects were completed on the east and north sides of the Community of Yarnell. Fire Chief Ben Palm stated that these fuel breaks significantly reduced the fire intensity of the Tenderfoot Fire as it approached the community, allowing firefighters to attack the fire and greatly reduce property loss. The fuel breaks were the result of a partnership between the Community and Arizona State Forestry and the Bureau of Land Management.
On Friday, the Yavapai Sheriff’s Office announced the opening of State Highway 89A. That portion of Yarnell west of Highway 89A was also opened to evacuees. Residents east of the highway will remain in mandatory evacuation status until the threat of fire is no longer significant. Wagoner Road is closed east of Highway 89A due to fire threat. Additionally, a precautionary alert is still in effect for homeowners on the west side of highway 89 in Peeples Valley should circumstances require they be ready to evacuate.
Travelers over Highway 89A should be aware of traffic congestion in the vicinity of Model Creek School and Hays Road north of Yarnell due to fire generated traffic. Reduced speed is recommended in this area.