Evacuations are lifted in Patagonia as red flag conditions dissipate over the San Rafael fire area, allowing firefighters to catch a break.
On Tuesday, firefighters were able to keep the San Rafael fire within its current footprint and kept it from pushing through the established containment lines, a media release from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. The fire is currently at 11,611 acres and is 12% contained.
The fire remains active on the northern and southwestern sides with hot spots being reported within the fire’s interior, the media release said. Pockets of interior fuel continues to burn and as afternoon winds increase, smoke may be visible to nearby communities.
A helicopter remains assigned to the fire to help with bucket work to suppress any hotspots. While there is no critical fire weather forecast for the area, afternoon winds could gust up to 30 miles per mile.
Nearly 200 personnel are assigned to the fire, including hand crews, engines, water tenders and aircraft resources, the media release said.
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All “Go” and “Set” notifications have been lifted as of Tuesday morning and residents have been placed back to “Ready,” with the exception of the Canelo South area. Forest Road 799 is closed for firefighter safety as crews continue to work along the roadway.
Crews are also finding people in the burn area and are asking that people stay out of hazards, such as ash pits.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photos: San Rafael Fire burning south of Tucson
San Rafael Fire
An Erickson Sky Crane helicopter banks over the San Rafael Fire near Canelo on May 9, 2022.
San Rafael Fire
Residents of Canelo, Ariz. watch as the San Rafael Fire burns near Canelo on May 9, 2022.
San Rafael Fire
Crews work to try and contain the San Rafael Fire near Canelo on May 9, 2022.
San Rafael Fire
The San Rafael Fire burns behind a home in Elgin, Ariz., as crews work to try and contain the fire near Canelo on May 9, 2022.
San Rafael Fire
A small flame can be seen inside the San Rafael Fire while crews work to try and contain the fire inside the San Rafael Valley near Canelo on May 9, 2022.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
San Rafael Fire, 2022
San Rafael Fire burning in the San Rafael Valley and northeast into Canelo Pass. The fire started May 7.
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