Single Publication

Romero Fire Update Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Start Date: Friday, July 19, 2024                                                                                                                      Cause: Lightning 

Location: 13 miles southwest of Kearny                                                                                                          Acres: 7,000 

Personnel Assigned: 176                                                                                                                                  Containment: 40%

Summary: The Romero Fire is 7,000 acres with an increase to 40% containment. Yesterday, firefighters worked along the western edge to mop up any remaining pockets of heat that might pose a threat to containment lines. Crews patrolled the fire perimeter while reinforcing lines put in place over the past few days. The dozer line was completed on the north end and tied into the Cottonwood Wash.  Multiple contingency lines were put in place north of the fire in the event the fire spreads past primary containment lines.

Today, the main focus is on the northeast side of the fire where the majority of activity has occurred over the past few days. Dozers will also be used to improve roads north of the fire to serve as contingency lines. There are no plans to conduct firing operations. Crews on the southeast corner will improve the structure protection around Haydon Ranch.

Objectives set by fire managers are being met due to the hard work of firefighters over the past four days. The Type 3 Organization will begin to release resource today so that they are made available to support new fires across the state. With this reduction in resources, the Romero Fire will downsize to a Type 4 Organization on Wednesday. The FINAL Press Release for the Romero Fire will be on Wednesday, July 24.  After that, updates will be provided through the incident information sources listed below when significant activity occurs.

The SET evacuation has been lifted for 3C Ranch. Residents in Pinal County can sign up for emergency alert notifications at: https://www.pinal.gov/1335/PENS---Pinal-Emergency-Notification-Syst to be notified in the event of future emergencies.

Closures: The AZT (Arizona Trail) is closed between Oracle and Kearny. Hikers should plan an alternate route. All road closures have been lifted. However, firefighters are still working in the area and traveling on Freeman Road, Barkerville Ranch Road, and Willow Springs Ranch Road.  We ask that anyone not having a need to be in the area continue to find alternate travel routes.  If you must travel the roads listed, please drive at slower speeds and turn on your headlights to be more visible.

Weather: Mostly sunny skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Expect temperatures to reach the upper 90s with winds forecasted 5-7mph. Gusty, erratic winds are expected near thunderstorms moving through the area.

Safety: A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) is in place over the fire. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect on State Trust lands in Pinal County. Restriction info: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/.

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-romero

Twitter: @azstateforestry: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry

Facebook: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry

Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go