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G22 wildfire burns more than 2,000 acres on Fort Apache Indian Reservation

The wildfire area includes important lands to the White Mountain Apache people, the White Mountain Zone Incident Management Team said.
Credit: Alvino Hawkins Jr.

CIBECUE, Ariz. — Multiple fire management teams are working to contain and extinguish a wildfire burning on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation near Cibecue, Arizona.

The fire, named the G22 fire, has burned 2,026 acres as of Friday morning. The fire has also caused the closure of the 27/28 road north of Grasshopper Rance and Salt Creek, authorities from the White Mountain Zone Incident Management Team said.

The fire is at 50% containment as of Friday morning, authorities said.

A Red Flag Warning, which designates critical fire conditions due to strong winds and low humidities, took effect on Wednesday at noon and lasted through 8 p.m, the team said.

Firefighters are reportedly focusing on public safety as they work to stop the fire's progress, with crews using nearby roads as critical holding features to keep the fire at bay.

"The G22 fire area includes important lands to the White Mountain Apache people," the management team said. "Firefighters are working to protect commercial timberlands, watersheds, riparian areas, rangelands, heritage sites, and recreation and wilderness areas."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona by watching our 12 News YouTube Playlist here.

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