PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. — Fire crews have contained the Freeman Fire, which was burning southwest of Dudleyville and northwest of Oracle within the Black Mountains and started on July 11.
The fire was sparked by two lightning strikes at about 5 p.m. on July 11. The first strike hit near Oak Well and caused a fire that merged with a second fire that was caused by a separate lightning strike about a mile away.
A sudden wind storm at about 10 p.m. on July 11 caused the fire to spread in all directions and created a very dangerous fire.
Head to 12news.com/wildfires to get the latest information on all the fires burning around Arizona.
The full evacuation list, evacuation center information and up-to-date road closures can be found below:
Latest fire updates:
- Fire mapped at 32,568 acres with 100% containment
- Fire completely contained as of July 18
- "GO" status lifted for Willow Springs Ranch
- All roads within the fire area are closed to the public
- Infrared flight scheduled for Sunday night to determine where heat remains
- The Freeman Trailhead, and the Arizona Trail from Tigermine Road to Freeman Road are closed until further notice
- The fire stayed quiet overnight on Friday with the exception of the southwest area
- The Freeman Fire stayed active through most of the night on Thursday hindering some suppression efforts out of safety concerns.
- A sudden wind shift late Thursday night pushed the fire in all directions, significantly increased fire behavior and forced the evacuation of the Willow Spring Ranch.
- The fire pushed out to the southeast significantly.
- The fire threatened nearby infrastructure, including high-voltage power lines and a communication tower.
- The fire was the result of two lightning strikes last night. Two fires merged together, authorities said.
How many acres has it burned?
The Freeman Fire has burned 32,568 acres and is 100% contained as of July 18, fire officials said.
Are there any evacuations?
There are no communities under "GO” orders.
There are no communities under "SET" orders.
There are no communities under "READY” orders.
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?
Area road closures are in effect, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office posted on "X," formerly known as Twitter.
Are there any shelters available for residents who may be evacuated?
Officials have not released information on shelters.
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.
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.