San Rafael Fire: 10,000 acres burned, some evacuations ordered
The San Rafael Fire, burning in the San Rafael State Natural Area about 22 miles south of Patagonia, escalated to 10,000 acres on Sunday.
The fire was reported Saturday around 6:45 p.m. and "dramatically" grew on Sunday due to high winds and dry fuels, according to Inciweb, a website that tracks wildfires.
The fire was at 0% containment as of Sunday afternoon and a red flag warning was in effect for the area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
According to a press release posted Sunday by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, gusts up to 45 mph favored the growth of the fire toward the northeast across a heavy grass crop.
The department said multiple crews and fire engines, including aircraft units, engaged in suppressing efforts on Sunday.
50 personnel were on the fire as of Sunday afternoon.
Where is the San Rafael Fire burning?
The San Rafael Fire is burning about 22 miles south of Patagonia along the western portion and into the northeast of San Rafael Valley, in the southeastern side of Coronado National Forest, south of Sonoita, east of the Patagonia Mountains, west of Sierra Vista and northwest of Lochiel.
The fire reached Sheep Ranch Canyon into the Canelo Hills as it extended to the northeast. The southern region of the fire is currently burning close to the U.S.-Mexico Border near Lochiel.
Wildfire map:Track where fires are burning in Arizona in 2022
Evacuations in effect
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office reported evacuations or "GO" status for the San Rafael Valley and residences on Canelo Pass Road and Canelo Road, according to a release.
"Please be advised the fire is very active and evacuation or pre-evacuation information can change at any time," the Arizona Department of Forestry said in a Facebook update.
Residents can sign up for emergency alerts through the county's emergency management website.
Road closures
State Route 83 is closed between mileposts 13 and three with no estimated time of reopening, according to a tweet from the Arizona Department of Transportation.
UPDATE: SR 83 is now closed south of Sonoita, between mileposts 13 and 3, due to the #SanRafaelFire. There's still no estimated time to reopen the road.#aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/yScqJi0RU8
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 9, 2022
Fire outlook and smoke forecast
Despite challenging weather conditions, crews were working to protect structures and residences ahead of the fire, according to Inciweb.
One secondary structure was confirmed to have been destroyed on Sunday, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said.
"Multiple hand crews and engines are currently engaged in fire suppression efforts," the department said.
Shelter and Assistance
According to a Sunday tweet from Coronado National Forest, the American Red Cross established an evacuation assistance center for residents who have been affected by the fire at the United Methodist Patagonia Community Church located at 387 McKeown Ave, Patagonia.
Reach breaking news reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda at lsepulveda@lavozarizona.com or on Twitter @lauradNews.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: San Rafael Fire burns in southern Arizona
