PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. — A wildfire burning near Kearny that prompted evacuations and temporarily shut down highways is now 90% contained.
The Simmons Fire was mapped at 351 acres.
The GO order for those near the Kearny area has been downgraded to READY. Residents have been cleared to return to their homes by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. The order applies to residents in the Riverside neighborhood outside of Kearny.
A SET order is still in place for residents south of Riverside, from Ray Junction Road and State Route 177 to Kearny city limits. SR 177 has reopened as of Wednesday morning.
Power has also been restored to residents in north Kearny, officials said.
Two buildings in the area have burned down in the fire, officials confirmed.
Latest fire updates
- 51% containment
- Power restored to Kearny residents
- Evacuations lifted Friday
- SR 177 reopened
- Two buildings lost in the fire
- Simmons Fire is 4 miles southwest of Kearny
- Riverside neighborhood under evacuation orders
- Power shut down in the north end of Kearny
- A team is being reassigned from Rocky Fire to fight Simmons Fire
How many acres has it burned?
The Simmons Fire has burned about 351 acres as of Thursday evening, fire officials said.
Are there any evacuations?
The following communities are under the "GO" order and have been asked to evacuate:
Residents of the Riverside neighborhood
The following communities are under the "SET" order and have been asked to prepare for possible evacuation:
Residents to the south from Ray Junction Road and SR177 to Kearny city limits have been placed in "SET-Be Alert" status.
Go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network website to learn how the READY, SET, GO evacuation system works.
What roads or highways have been closed?
State Route 177 near milepost 151 has reopened.
Are there any shelters available for residents who may be evacuated?
Ray Elementary in Kearny has been designated as a meeting place for residents evacuated due to the fire, according to Pinal County officials.
Arizona Wildfire Season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
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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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.