TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Firefighters working the Wildkat Fire near Benson and Whetstone say it is now 95% contained as of Sunday.
Firefighters working the #WildkatFire in #CochiseCounty have it 95% contained. It was mapped today at 562 acres. Crews continue to mop up & monitor for interior smokes. The fire started Saturday along SR 90 between #Benson & #Whetstone. Unknown cause. #AZFire #AZForestry pic.twitter.com/zJ6Gu0VIxu
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) April 17, 2022
The AZ State Forestry (AZSF) reported a brush fire Saturday that was approximately 200 acres in size. As of Sunday, the fire grew to 562 acres. With a majority of the fire contained, crews said firefighters would continue to mop up and monitor for interior smoke.
The nearby highway and road are still open and the fire was not a threat to nearby communities, according to AZSF.
AZSF says every year 9 out of 10 wildland fires are started by humans so here are some tips to prevent wildfires in Arizona.
- When working outdoors check the weather
- Keep a water source and shovel nearby
- Never leave a burn unattended
- Check your tires as a blowout can cause a wildfire
For more tips click here.
#WildcatFire approx 200 acres, bet. Benson & Whetstone, E. SR 90. Fire burning in grass & brush w/n drainage. No threats at this time. Drivers - plz use caution & don’t stop along hwy. Engines & hand crew assigned w/helo ordered to assist. Map est location. #AZFire #AZForestry pic.twitter.com/RKAnzWjaDZ
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) April 16, 2022
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Corey Salmon is a real-time editor and associate producer for KGUN 9. He was born in New York but has lived in Tucson for over 10 years. Share your story ideas and important issues with Corey by emailing corey.salmon@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
