Single Publication

Romero Fire Update Wednesday, July 24, 2024

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

Location: 13 miles southwest of Kearny                                                                                                         Acres: 7,392 

Personnel Assigned: 127                                                                                                                                   Containment: 70%

Summary: At 6am this morning, the Romero Fire transitioned to a Type 4 Organization. This will be the FINAL Press Release for the Romero Fire. Any future updates will be provided through the incident information sources listed below when significant activity occurs.

The Romero Fire is 7,392 acres with an increase to 70% containment. The increase in acreage is due to firing operations conducted on the northeast corner of the fire these past 2 days. This operation was done to secure the northeast corner that has been moving around over the past few days. Firefighters did mop up around the fire perimeter and cleaned up dozer line to strengthen and improve the fire line. 

Two crews, two engines, one medical team, and one water tender remain assigned to the fire. They will patrol the fire and conduct mop up operations until the fire reaches 100% containment.

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 and monitor. 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 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: Excessive heat and outflow winds continue over the next few days as forecasted thunderstorms move through the area.  

Safety: The TFR has been lifted for the fire. However, we ask that the public avoid flying aircraft (including drones) in and around the fire area. Firefighters remain assigned to the fire and could request air support at any time.

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