KEARNY, Ariz. — Fire crews in the small town of Kearny, in southeast Pinal County, made significant progress on the Shake Fire Wednesday. For resident Mike Looney, it was a worrisome sight Tuesday as he watched flames creep to within feet away from his home.
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“It could have been a major disaster," Looney said."
The 110-acre fire is now 50% contained. Fire crews have stopped all forward progress on the fire and are now keeping a watchful eye on the remaining hotspots.
Looney feels fortunate because he had just recently cleared out a large amount of weeds right behind his backyard, where the flames ended their march up to his backyard.
"They even cleaned out in between the fences, because there's that little walkway gap in there. And if I hadn't cleaned that out and the fire got in there it would have set my neighbors' sheds on fire. It would have set my sheds on fire. And, yeah, I would have lost a lot," Looney said.
In addition to burning right up to homes on the south side of Kearny, pink fire retardant from multiple airplane drops was seen painted across several acres of dry brush and vegetation near Ray High School.
Looney has lived in Kearny for five years and says he is extremely thankful for the 200 fire personnel who worked tirelessly to save his home and certainly countless others.
“Eternally grateful for that. If it hadn't been for the planes, I think they would have never got it stopped," Looney said.
Although the Pinal County Sheriff's Office has lifted the mandatory evacuations, the town remains on READY status. That is just in case the fire sparks up again and prompts evacuations once again.
Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
Matches in a waterproof container
Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
Those in Arizona who have been affected by a wildfire or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.