A community is south-central Arizona has been evacuated after a wildfire burned at least 12 homes, according to officials.
Located approximately 60 miles north of Tucson, the fire burned through Dudleyville, an area with a population of only 1,000 people. The fire started on April 8 at around 9 a.m., and most of the spread was to the south along the river bottom through dense tamarisk.
ABC News reports: “Officials said the fire continued on Thursday to an estimated 500 acres (2 square kilometers) with containment around 20% of its perimeter as of Friday.”
On April 9, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office announced that approximately 200 residents had been evacuated. The evacuation order has since been lifted.
Updates have been posted via the official Twitter account of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.
“As of 1:00 pm on 4/10, the Dudleyville area previously evacuated due to the #MargoFire has returned to “SET” status. Residents may return to their homes at this time,” one tweet read.
As of 1:00 pm on 4/10, the Dudleyville area previously evacuated due to the #MargoFire has returned to "SET" status.
Residents may return to their homes at this time.
Continue to stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials. pic.twitter.com/71cSXoSOgy
— Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (@PinalCSO) April 10, 2021
We should always be “READY” for wildfires in Arizona 🔥
When you hear "SET" you should be ready to evacuate with prescription medications and important documents.
"GO" means evacuate now. First responders may not be able to help if you choose to stay. pic.twitter.com/jxmT4qpfnJ
— Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (@PinalCSO) April 7, 2021
The most recent update shows that firefighters have the fire 80% contained.
Firefighters have 1,148-acre #MargoFire in #Dudleyville 80% contained. Acreage decrease due to more accurate mapping. Residents able to return home Saturday. #AZForestry investigator found fire to be human-caused. Ignition source remains under investigation. #AZFire #PinalCounty pic.twitter.com/Hsi8nQscXo
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) April 12, 2021
As of April 11, the fire had burned 1,148 acres, destroying 12 residences and 5 outbuildings. Crews fought the blaze using aircraft and ground fire engines.
The source of the fire is currently under investigation. So far, investigators have ruled out lightning, and have concluded that the fire was human-caused.
