COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. — Evacuations have been lifted in southern Arizona due to a wildfire exhibiting "erratic fire behavior," according to the Arizona Bureau of Land Management.
Tuesday afternoon the agency said the fire has been mapped at 1,320 acres and is 25% contained.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has recommended that anyone with sensitivity to smoke and dust limit outdoor activity.
The agency said parts of Hereford and Palominas roads were originally ordered to evacuate due to the wildfire, named the Williams Fire. Deputies also evacuated Copper Glance Road and Palominas Road east and south of Hereford Road.
Highway 92, Palominas Road, and Hereford Road have also been reopened.
Officials ask any members of the public returning home to keep their windows closed due to air quality issues.
"Cochise County Emergency Services will be conducting fire damage assessments throughout this week with additional information forthcoming," the county's sheriff's office said
Highway 92, Palominas Road, and Hereford Road have also been reopened.
The sheriff's office is posting updates about the fire on its Facebook page as news situations arise with the fire.
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.
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