Start date – Saturday, May 7, 2022
Size – 11,620 acres
Containment – 62%
Location – 22 miles SE of Patagonia
Cause- Under Investigation
Patagonia, AZ (5/12/22) – The break in the Red Flag conditions have allowed firefighters to continue to build, improve, and strengthen containment lines around the San Rafael Fire. While some heat remains at the head of the fire, the lull in high winds has significantly helped resources establish additional containment and prevent further spread to the north and northeast. Yesterday, crews were able to get line in on the western, eastern, and southern flanks of the fire. Today work continues to tie in any unsecured line and begin mopping up. Firefighters are also tasked with patrolling the fire line to check for any interior smokes or hotspots that remain. An estimated 165 ground personnel remain assigned with aircraft on standby, if needed. Some resources on San Rafael have been reassigned to provide for initial attack should a new incident start nearby. With the increase in containment efforts overnight, the Southeast Zone Incident Management Team will transition the fire back to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the Coronado National Forest at 6:00 am Friday. Forest Road 799 and the Arizona Trail from Patagonia Lake to Harshaw Road remain closed for public and firefighter safety. All residential areas have returned to READY status per the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. The San Rafael fire started on Saturday, May 7, 2022, and pushed nearly 12 miles to the northeast the following day due to high winds and a dry grass crop. A corral at San Rafael State Natural Area was damaged during the start of the fire. The fire remains under investigation.This will be the final news release for the incident unless significant activity occurs. Information will stay updated on Inciweb and both DFFM and the Coronado National Forest’s social media platforms. ###
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8100/Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonastateforestry
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Prescribed Fire
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