Wildfire threatening buildings in Old Bisbee prompts evacuations

PHOENIX — Evacuation orders were issued overnight for homes threatened by a wildfire that started late Monday in Bisbee, authorities said.

A “GO” order for evacuation was issued for residents in Wood Canyon and Locklin Avenue around 11 p.m., while Juniper Flats residents were told to evacuate as of 5:30 a.m. Star Avenue is in “SET” position and should begin preparing in the event an evacuation is issued.

Evacuations for Wood Canyon and Locklin Avenue were lifted at about 3:30 p.m.

A shelter was opened at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 100 Quality Hill Road.

The blaze, known as the Locklin Fire, started Monday evening in the Old Bisbee area around 11 p.m. and was measured at 58 acres Tuesday morning. The fire was at 106 acres and 30% contained as of Tuesday evening, according to InciWeb.

Fire officials estimated that 15 homes were evacuated. No buildings have been damaged.

Approximately 126 personnel have been actively working the fire, while additional engines, aircrafts and hand crews have been requested to help with suppression efforts.

“We do have a fire investigator ordered,” Tiffany Davila, spokeswoman for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “This is about the third fire Arizona State Forestry, along with our cooperators, have responded to in the last month (in the Bisbee area).”

The investigator will determine the source of the fire and why blazes keep continuing in the area, Davila said.

No road closures have been announced, but drivers in the area are advised to check ADOT for updates.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

Follow @KTAR923