June 1, 2024: Simmons Fire over 50% contained in Pinal County
A crew of more than 150 personnel continues to make progress battling the Simmons Fire, which started Tuesday in Pinal County.
For the second night in a row the Simmons Fire stayed within its footprint with no new growth being reported.
The blaze had threatened the town of Kearny, but is now more than 85% contained.
Power was restored to the north end of Kearny on Thursday night, and evacuation warnings have been downgraded. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has given the go-ahead to all residents to return home.
May 31, 2024: Simmons Fire over 50% contained in Pinal County
Crews are making progress battling the Simmons Fire, which started Tuesday in Pinal County. The blaze had threatened the town of Kearny, but is now more than 50% contained.
“They’ve been making significant progress, especially along that east, southeast link of the fire." said Tiffany Davila with the Department of Forestry & Fire Management. "That was an area of concern, because that’s the side that’s approaching Kearny.”
Power was restored to the north end of Kearny Thursday night, and evacuation warnings have been downgraded. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has given the go-ahead to all residents to return home.
May 29, 2024: Simmons Fire near Kearny is 0% contained
A fire that started Tuesday evening in Pinal County has burned over 400 acres just outside of Kearny.
The Simmons Fire is burning on both sides of the Gila River, and was zero percent contained on Wednesday afternoon.
“The vegetation is thick, it’s very dry and any ignition source into that fine fuel which is the grass and the brush is going to start a fast moving wildfire," said Tiffany Davila with the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Keeping the fire from approaching Kearny is a priority for crews. Power has been turned off to the north end of the town for safety reasons.
