This article was published May 17. Here's the May 18 news on the Greer Fire.

The Greer Fire had burned roughly 15,985 acres by the start of its fifth day in eastern Arizona.

According to InciWeb , containment lines near Greer held steady as firefighters concentrated on extinguishing hot spots and strengthening the fire's western perimeter. On Friday, May 16, crews continued reinforcing containment lines.

On Thursday, May 15, a small, strategic firing operation near Fish Canyon helped stop further spread where the fire had crossed the Little Colorado River.

On the northeast side, crews conducted firing operations along Udall Road and Highway 261 to slow potential northern movement. Some of the fire crossed east of Highway 261, but was met with aggressive aerial and ground suppression. Aerial operations were critical throughout the day on May 15.

More than 100 homes south of Eagar were evaluated for fire risk, and structure protection plans were being developed. Crews were also prepared to conduct potential firing operations along the northern edge if needed to reinforce containment lines.

Two additional Type 1 helicopters were expected to arrive on May 16 to enhance aerial support. Firefighters continued to deploy multiple aircraft across all divisions of the fire.

Weather conditions near the Greer Fire

Dry air and gusts around 25 mph were expected on May 16.

Tiffany Davila, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, said May 17 on social media that "hard work over the past several days will be tested by higher winds."

According to InciWeb, fire managers were preparing for near-critical fire weather over the weekend, as stronger winds and lower humidity were forecasted.

Strong southwest winds between 15 and 30 mph with powerful gusts were predicted by the National Weather Service for Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18. Gusty winds were expected to remain across eastern Arizona on Monday, May 19.

Chances for precipitation were expected to return late May 17 through May 18, primarily along and north of Interstate 40. Additional showers were possible on Monday, May 19, mostly along and north of the Mogollon Rim. There was a potential for light snow accumulation in areas above 8,000 feet.

Warm and dry weather was predicted to return starting Tuesday, May 20, and continue through the end of the week.

Red flag warning in effect

Evacuations

On May 16, the Apache County Sheriff's Office issued mandatory "go" evacuation orders for residents in Greer, South Fork, all areas west of State Route 261, and for all Eagar residents located south of State Route 260 and west of River Road. The fire had crossed east over SR 261.

A shelter opened at the Apache County Fairgrounds in St. Johns. The fairgrounds have the capacity to house small and large animals.

Another shelter opened at a Community Center in Alpine. Cots, blankets and food were available for those who had been evacuated, according to the Apache County Office of Emergency Management website .

Road closures

There was no estimated time for when these highways would reopen. For real-time traffic updates, visit AZ 511 , download the AZ 511 mobile app, or call 511.

According to the Forest Service , roads, trails, and lands near the Greer Fire have been closed. Impacted recreation sites include Winn Campground, Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground, Benny Creek Campground, and Winn Group Campground.

Gov. Katie Hobbs to visit Springerville

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs was to travel to Springerville with Director Gabe Lavine from the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and State Forester Tom Torres on Saturday, May 17.

They were to receive a detailed operational briefing on the Greer Fire from federal, state and local officials led by Matt Rau, Incident Commander for the fire. Gov. Hobbs would also assess current operations and determine ongoing needs as suppression efforts continue.

According to a news release, the briefing was to take place at the American Legion Hall near the fire zone, followed by a situational field tour, contingent on weather and operational conditions.

"We are working tirelessly to put this fire out and won't stop until we do," Gov. Hobbs said.

FEMA approved funding for suppression efforts

On May 15, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal funds had been authorized to assist in fighting the Greer Fire.

The governor's office said securing Fire Management Assistance Grant Funding from FEMA unlocked "critical federal dollars to help ensure … first responders have the support they need to respond to community needs."

Arizona Republic reporters Ray Stern and Rey Covarrubias Jr. contributed to this article.