Hillside Fire threatens homes, rail line; Pius Fire burning near power lines to Phoenix

Crews have made progress on several wildfires burning around the state on Thursday morning.

Hillside Fire near Congress

The Hillside Fire in Yavapai County grew significantly The 1,200-acre blaze near Congress is threatening several homes and a BNSF rail line east of the fire.

Shake Fire and Ray Fire near Kearny

The Shake and Ray Fires in Pinal County are coming under control.

Fire officials reported Wednesday that the Ray Fire was 60% contained at 65 acres, while the Shake Fire is 50% contained at 110 acres.

Pius Fire northeast of Payson

Crews are still working to get the upper hand on the Pius Fire in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, which started July 8.

The Pius Fire burning in Coconino County continues to threaten power lines that supply the Phoenix area. As of Thursday morning, it’s burned more than 2,000 acres on the Mogollon Rim about 20 miles northeast of Payson.

Evacuations are still in effect in and around Bear Canyon Lake. Officials say to expect smoky conditions along State Route 260.

Yavapai County officials are also warning residents that smoke produced by wildfire activity in southern Utah and the Pius Fire is expected to linger.

InciWeb

Cecil Newell, the county’s environmental health section manager, the start of wildfire season tends to bring smoke like this.

“It can be harmful to a lot of our population,” said Newell. “Especially since our population is elderly. Or for the young, or people who are sickly — have lung disease, heart disease.”

Which makes protecting yourself with measures like staying indoors or using the recirculation mode on any air conditioners all the more important.

“An N-95, that would help on smoke,” Newell said. “But your regular dust masks, I’m not sure whether it would or not because they’re not fully sealed onto your face.”

Overall, he said, it’s important to pay attention to how you’re feeling and follow through with getting help if needed.