KEARNY, AZ — Brush fires burning near Kearny prompted evacuations that have since been lifted.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office announced all residents previously effected by evacuations have returned to "SET" status.
Kearny is located north of Tucson and southeast of the Valley.
According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, State Route 177 southbound is closed in the area as several small brush fires sparked in the area.
The fires have burned more than 100 acres and are burning in heavy vegetation including brush and grass near North Old Ray Road, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Fire officials say there are a total of three brush fires burning in the area.
Evacuation status updates for this evening:
— Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (@PinalCSO) July 10, 2024
GO for 500 block of Hatfield and 400 block of Jamestown.
Previous GO for area north of Shake is lifted and residents retuned to READY.
500 block of Greenwich remains in READY.
Breezeway and Saguaro mobile home parks remain in READY.
About 300 homes in and around Kearny were threatened by the flames on Tuesday.
The Kearny Elementary School cafeteria was been designated as an evacuation center, according to PCSO.
The American Red Cross has also opened a shelter for those in need. It is located at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints (200 Hammond Dr, Kearny, AZ 85137).
⛑️ The American Red Cross is working with the community to open a shelter for those affected by the #shakefire.
— Red Cross Arizona (@RedCrossAZ) July 10, 2024
📍 Shelter Location: The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints,
200 Hammond Dr, Kearny, AZ 85137
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help in firefighting efforts.
Fire crews battle the Ray Fire (51 acres) and the Shake Fire (110 acres) both near Kearny. They are two separate fires but crews are managing them as one. The wind has just kicked in - grounding all air support for these fires. No more fire retardant can safely be dropped. @abc15 pic.twitter.com/wpYhskVGO9
— Marissa Sarbak (@MarissaSarbak) July 10, 2024
This is a developing situation. Stay with ABC15 and abc15.com for the latest information.
