UPDATE - 11:40 A.M. 06/05
The University of Arizona's team at Biosphere 2 tell KGUN 9 that the fire, located about three-quarters of a mile away from the research campus, did not impact the facility Sunday.
UPDATE - 9:46 P.M.
Crews have stopped forward progress on the Biosphere Fire just a half mile outside of Biosphere 2. There is no threat to the facility, but a state hand crew and local cooperator engines will remain at the fire until full containment.
UPDATE - 8:30 P.M.
The Arizona State Forestry Department said the Biosphere Fire has been 100% contained at 13 acres. A single fire crew is still assigned and is monitoring the area to ensure the fire doesn't start up again.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. No buildings or structures were damaged.
UPDATE - 1:30 P.M.
As of Sunday afternoon, the Biosphere Fire is 50% contained at 13 acres. AZ State Forestry said crews are mopping up the interior hot spots and strengthening the containment line.
ORIGINAL STORY
On Sunday morning, state and local crews responded to a call at 8:30 AM from a nearby rancher who saw smoke. The rancher notified employees at the Biosphere 2 and they called 911. The fire was a half mile southwest of the Biosphere and northeast of the Oracle Junction.
Arizona State Forestry, Golder Ranch Fire District, and Northwest Fire District responded to the fire at 10-30 acres. Crews had it boxed in around 10:30 AM Sunday morning.
The fire was visible to Oracle and the surrounding areas, but there were no evacuations. State Forestry launched aircraft, including Single Engine Air Tankers and Air Attack platform to assist with suppression.
There are 30 personnel still assigned to the incident.
