Crews continue battle against Contreras wildfire in southern Arizona
Jun 18, 2022, 4:00 PM
PHOENIX — Fire crews continued work to contain a lightning-caused wildfire in southern Arizona on Saturday, authorities said.
The Contreras Fire sparked June 11 on a remote ridge of the Baboquivari Mountains about 60 miles southwest of Tucson.
It has grown to 17,646 acres by Saturday afternoon, with no containment, according to Inciweb.
Elkhorn Ranch toward the south end of the fire is in “SET” status and should begin to prepare to evacuate.
Flames have been moving north toward the Kitt Peak National Observatory, which was evacuated Thursday, while the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation was told to evacuate on Friday.
Four non-scientific buildings that were on the west side of the observatory were destroyed in the fire, authorities said.
Over 300 personnel were assigned to fight the fire as of Saturday report, which included eight crews, 12 engines, five water tenders and six helicopters.
