Whitlow Fire in the Queen Valley Community

October 5th, 3 p.m. Update:The Whitlow Fire is in the Tonto National Forest, U.S. Forest Service. According to Tonto National Forest Fire Officials, the fire is 100 acres, located north of Hewitt Station near Comet Peak and the community of Queen Valley. FR 357 is closed. There are 5 engines, the Phoenix Handcrew, and members of the Mesa Hotshots responding and orders have been placed for a Type 1 helicopter and 2 Air Tankers to assist ground crews. One air tanker has made one drop of retardant; and 2 air tankers are dropping water.

In cooperation with Pinal County Sheriff's Office, Queen Valley residents are being placed into "set" status due to the fire's proximity. PCSO and Queen Valley Fire remain ready for evacuation procedures.

The Apache Junction Rodeo grounds, located at 1590 E Lost Dutchman Blvd will have an available large animal shelter in the event residents are moved to full evacuation status. In efforts to be as prepared as possible, please call 480-474-5418 if you may need this service, in order to get more detailed information.

The AJ Multi-Generational Center available, 1035 N Idaho Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, is on standby as a shelter site in the event residents are moved to full evacuation status.

For the very latest information, and to check on current updates, please check the following sites:

https://app.watchduty.org/i/33941
https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest/

We will update this page as further information becomes available.