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Officials: Ramsey Canyon Fire burning south of Sierra Vista is 45 acres, 50 percent contained

Posted at 6:23 AM, Dec 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-11 22:04:23-05

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office says a brush fire south of Sierra Vista in an area between Ramsey and Carr canyons has forced several road closures and has residents on alert.

The Coronado National Forest  says the fire, which has been named the Ramsey Canyon Fire, was estimated to be about 70 acres in size but updated mapping techniques led to a revised size of 45 acres by Sunday night. Officials said a quick response by various firefighting agencies was able to halt the fire's forward progress.

Residents in the Carr Canyon area are being told to be ready to evacuate, but no official evacuation orders have been given.

Crews are patrolling the fire's perimeter putting out hot spots. The fire is estimated to be 50% contained, according to a news release from Coronado National Forest.

The brush fire has caused barricades to be put up at Carr Canyon Road and State Route 92 to restrict access up the canyon. Another roadblock has been placed at Richards Road and Ramsey Canyon.

The fire continues to smolder and smoke continues to rise from areas already burned, authorities said.

CCSO asks that anyone who does not live in the Carr Canyon area does not attempt to drive through the area, so that officials are not caused any delays.

Investigators say the fire is human-caused, though they were still working for more specifics about how it ignited.

Stay with ABC15 and ABC15.com for the latest on this developing situation.