State and local fire crews are battling a brush fire near Vail in Pima County.
According to officials, the Mulberry Fire sparked around 2 p.m. on Saturday eight miles southeast of the Vail area.
First reported as 50 acres, the fire burning near the Santa Rita Foothills grew to an estimated 1,750 acres as of Sunday morning, officials said. It is threatening multiple structures in the area but is now 45 percent contained.
Fire officials say the fire grew overnight Saturday due to high winds.
Update #MulberryFire - est. 150 acres, multiple crews on ground & 6 air tankers making progress. Shelter for evacs @ Pima Co Fairgrounds.
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 7, 2017
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has assisted with evacuations. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Pima County Fairgrounds.
#MulberryFire Red Cross shelter at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Enter off Houghton through the Brekke gate https://t.co/jXQ4wWEy3T
— BLM Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) May 6, 2017
Drivers are being asked to avoid Highway 83 at this time. It's unknown if any structures have been damaged yet.
#MulberryFire est. 50 acres w/ pre-evacs from @PimaSheriff. Air support in route from Tucson and Mesa. Fire burning 8 mi. SE of Vail.
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 6, 2017
No additional information was immediately released.
