KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2025 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sawmill Fire South Of Tucson 40 Percent Contained

Firefighters are continuing to reign in the Sawmill Fire, burning south of Tucson. The blaze is now 40 percent contained, after burning more than 70 square miles.

But high wind today could hamper fire suppression efforts, with gusts of up to 35 miles per hour expected.

On Thursday, high winds forced officials to ground firefighting aircraft.

The wildfire has already crossed one mountain range since it started Sunday, about 10 miles southeast of Green Valley.

No injuries or damage to homes have been reported, but many evacuations and pre-evacuations have been ordered.

Authorities said Thursday that an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent is being investigated for possibly starting the fire while practice shooting.

Stina Sieg was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2013 to 2018.