Massive Watch Fire Ravages San Carlos Apache Community

By Kyler Edsitty

Photo courtesy of The Arizona Republic

[San Carlos Apache Reservation, AZ, July 15, 2024] – On July 12, the San Carlos Apache Tribe declared a state of emergency when a fierce blaze swept through the community. The Watch Fire, which started around 11 p.m. on July 10, quickly spread to the San Carlos River when high winds from a thunderstorm caused the fire to spread.

Ardell Ganilla evacuated KYAY as the blaze approached the radio station. In his online account, Ganilla states, “Firefighters and fire trucks showed up and did what they could. Young and not-so-young men helped the fire personnel save some houses from burning. Right then and there, an officer approached me and asked if I could return to the station to make emergency announcements if an officer went with me. I knew that was how I could help, so off we went.”

Nestled within the heart of the San Carlos Apache Reservation, the sense of community is more than just a concept at KYAY. It is a lifeline. The station has weathered many storms over the years, but none quite like the Watch Fire that swept through San Carlos.

“We are very fortunate to have the radio station still standing. The houses surrounding the radio station were not too lucky,” said KYAY Bookkeeper Shannon Victor. “It saddens our hearts to see the damage done here in our community.”

KYAY listeners tuned in faithfully during the fire and after, finding solace in familiar Apache voices providing real-time updates. As of July 13, the Watch Fire destroyed 2,200 acres and 14 homes, leaving 75 community members homeless and many others without electricity. Over 400 people evacuated from the area are now seeking shelter. Although there were no reports of injuries or deaths, the Watch Fire is the biggest structural fire the Reservation has seen in over 30 years.

“We have endured fires before, but the human scale of this one is particularly devastating,” said San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler in a press release. “Unfortunately, multiple families lost homes. It was horrible all the way around. I have received reports of families leaving with nothing, elders having no transportation, and kids running without shoes. We have never experienced anything like this.”

On July 15th, listeners nationwide heard Apache songs on KYAY’s TuneIn stream. The San Carlos Apache Tribe is strong, and they will survive the Watch fire with the help of others.

To contribute to the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s recovery, click here.

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