NewsArizona News

Actions

Forward progress on Cedar Fire stopped, burning 10.5 acres south of Oracle

Parts of Oracle now lowered to 'ready' evacuation status
Poster image (23).jpg
oracle evac map
Fire near town of Oracle
Posted
and last updated

UPDATE Wednesday 1:15 p.m.:

"Thanks to successful firefighting efforts, the area of Oracle that was previously threatened by the Cedar Fire is back to 'Ready' status," the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said online.

UPDATE Wednesday, 7:00 a.m.

The fire's forward progress has been stopped, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It's 5% contained at 10.5 acres.

The Forest Service says crews were able to stop forward progress on the fire by 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night. Containment lines surrounding the fire held throughout the night.

Firefighters will spend today mopping up the fire's perimeter and making sure it stays within the containment lines, the Forest Service says.

Parts of Oracle are still under 'SET' status. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office will update the evacuation status throughout the day. You can sign up for emergency alerts from the county here.

UPDATE 11:30 p.m.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire has grown to 10 acres.

“The Coronado National Forest and local communities are all assisting in the response, so we have ground support in the form of engines and crews on foot patrol and ATVs,” said Starr Ferrell of the Coronado National Forest. “We also have aerial support, including helicopters and large aircraft. They’re called LATs, and they’ve been dropping retardant and water on the fire since it began this evening.”

Ferrell said crews have covered the fire with retardant and are confident it will be contained by the end of the night.

UPDATE 7:55 p.m.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, this is a full suppression fire, which means all available resources will be employed, and aggressive tactics will be used to battle the flames.

The fire has grown to 5 acres, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

A spokesperson with the Coronado National Forest says they are confident that the fire will be put out tonight.

——

UPDATE 7:40 p.m.

The U.S. Forest Service has announced that a drone incursion from an unauthorized entity has forced firefighters to reevaluate their plan.

A post says the area is under Temporary Flight Restrictions.

"Individuals who have been determined to have endangered manned aircraft or people on the ground with a UAS and/or interfered with wildfire suppression may be subject to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution," the post said.

oracle evac map
Evacuation map for residents in the town of Oracle

——

UPDATE 7 p.m.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office says residents are on SET status and to be alert.

PCSO says there is significant fire danger in much of the town of Oracle. This applies to residents south of American Avenue and Mount Lemmon Highway, east of Calle Futura and west of COD Ranch Road.

Officials say residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the area.

Residents are encouraged to grab your emergency go kit and keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.

——

ORIGINAL STORY

A wildfire is currently burning near the town of Oracle, north of Tucson, Tuesday evening, according to the Coronado National Forest.

In a social media post, fire officials say the 'Cedar Wildfire' started at 4:56 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 in the Santa Catalina Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest. Officials have not yet reported a size for the blaze.

Cuyler Diggs shares a view of the smoke from KGUN 9's Mt. Bigelow Neighborhood Network weather camera:

Coronado National Forest says wildfire burning near Oracle Tuesday afternoon

According to the post, 12 engines, two helicopters and two Large Airtankers (LATs) are being used to fight the fire.

Visitors are being asked to avoid the area.