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Florence– Pinal County Emergency Management and the elected officials of Pinal County are providing the following update on the response to the Shipman Fire burning near Kearny since Monday.
The Shipman Fire is 50% contained at this time. A Type II Incident Management Team began fire operations on Tuesday, July 9 and with more than 150 firefighters on scene, significant strides toward containment occurred today.
The fire has burned more than 500 acres and fire hot spots have been manageable within the containment area. The area received some rain and, at the moment, there is very little smoke.
Shelter Managers for the American Red Cross have indicated there are no residents at the Ray Elementary School and none are anticipated to arrive this evening. Staff members from Pinal County Public Health assisted and evaluated conditions at the shelter site and provided residents with informational brochures on actions to take after the fire.
The Pinal County Air Quality Department has sent an inspector to evaluate and monitor air quality conditions and standards. There is minimal smoke within the area which should not impact residents; however, citizens with chronic respiratory problems are still encouraged to remain indoors.
Pre-evacuation notices have been lifted but 20 homes remain evacuated.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is still reporting traffic restrictions on north and southbound Highway 177 and pilot cars are escorting motorists through the area.
At today’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting, the members expressed appreciation and gratitude for the firefighting, shelter, traffic control and public safety efforts underway in Kearny.
Pinal County personnel will continue working to support the wildfire and recovery efforts. No additional updates are anticipated unless conditions deteriorate or if county personnel deem additional precautions or actions are needed.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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