07/24
Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire (AZSF) is now handling the Big Sandy Fire
The Fire has been burning for eight days and is now 80 percent contained at 150 acres.
There is one engine still monitoring the fire's perimeter to ensure no heat or smoke remains.
All other resources have been released.
Rain is forecast for the next few days over the burn area.
Lightning-caused #BigSandyFire is 80% contained; 150 acres. All resources released except one engine that will cont. to patrol & monitor fire's perimeter. Rain poss. for next few days over burn area. Fire started Sat. 7/16, w/n Big Sandy Wash, S/SE of Wikieup. #AZFire #AZForestry pic.twitter.com/eDuMoSoOSj
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) July 24, 2022
07/19 11:57 a.m.
Tucson Fire Department is sending a crew of firefighters to assist with the effort at the Big Sandy Fire near Wikiup.
Over 100 personnel have been assigned to fight the 150-acre fire in Mojave County, according to Arizona State Forestry.
The agency is reporting flareups are still present within the perimeter, and helicopters are in use to help protect structures, including the U.S. 93 bridge over the Big Sandy Wash.
BIG SANDY FIRE DEPLOYMENT 🌲🔥 A #TFD crew is on its way to the Big Sandy Fire near Wikieup, AZ, to help support the firefighting effort. We wish Eliot Anderson, Gregg Warren, Michael Blume and Daniel Dadasiewicz a safe deployment! 👩🚒#TucsonFire #firefighter #wildlandfirefighter pic.twitter.com/3q2x6juIEE
— Tucson Fire Department (@TucsonFireDept) July 19, 2022
A hot, dry forecast for the week is expected to hinder the firefighting efforts.
07/17 9:55 a.m.
Crews handling the Big Sandy Fire have disengaged due to cloud-to-ground lightning.
Arizona State Forestry says that even with the rain the fire continues to burn and was mapped at 75 acres.
U.S. Route 93 is not impacted by the fire.
Overnight, crews on #BigSandyFire disengaged due to cloud to ground lightning. Even w/rain, fire cont. to burn actively thru night. Mapped at 75 acres. Fire at S edge of #Wikieup & burning w/n riverbed. 20 people evacuated. At this time, no impact to US 93. #AZFire #AZForestry pic.twitter.com/vG5Iyiwp3Z
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) July 17, 2022
07/16 11:57 p.m.
The Big Sandy Fire has grown to 150 acres and Arizona State Forestry (AZSF) says the fire has active fire behavior.
AZSF says 20 people have evacuated and multiple structures are threatened.
Update to #BigSandyFire: Est. 150 acres w/very active fire behavior. Fire burning in dense vegetation w/n Big Sandy Wash, near #Wikieup. Multiple structures threatened & 20 people evacuated. Add’l resources ordered for morning, incl. Hotshot Crew. #AZForestry #AZFire pic.twitter.com/ZcJifGFL50
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) July 17, 2022
07/16 9:26 p.m.
Around 9:26 p.m. on July 16, 2022, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management responded to a 100-acre fire in south Wikieup, near US 93.
Officials say the fire was wind-driven and was burning west and north river bottom in Cottonwoods.
Arizona State Forestry says multiple structures are threatened.
#AZForestry responding to 100 acre fire, S Wikieup, near US 93. Wind-driven fire burning w/n river bottom in Cottonwoods & producing multiple spot fires. Multiple structures threatened. Add’l resources ordered, incl. engines & tenders. Highly visible from hwy. Map approx. #AZFire pic.twitter.com/bban35ET4c
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) July 17, 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.
