On July 12, the San Carlos Apache Tribe declared a state of emergency due to the Watch Fire that has destroyed the area near 7 Mile and Peridot districts on the San Carlos Reservation.  Firefighters and first-responders have been working tirelessly to contain the fire, which is reported at being 81% contained as of July 16.

Over a dozen homes have been destroyed due to the fire, which has also left many of the San Carlos membership displaced in their community.

Evacuation centers were quickly established by the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s Tribal Emergency Response Commission. The San Carlos High School, Apache Gold Casino, and the Michael Noline Memorial Building/Peridot Activity Center are the three main evacuation shelters that were available to San Carlos membership and their loved ones.

On July 13, SRPMIC President Martin Harvier released a statement to the public which extended his heartfelt prayers to the families impacted by the fire, as well as the first responders. In his statement, President Harvier shared that the SRPMIC was at-the-ready to assist the San Carlos Reservation.

Once word spread of the tragic destruction in San Carlos, most of Indian Country rallied together to provide assistance and aid, with some individuals opting to provide help in-person on the reservation.

Non-perishable food, clothing, and baby/toddler donations are still being accepted, however the San Carlos Apache Tribe stated they are mainly in need of monetary donations at this time.