Updated at 1:14 p.m. MDT April 9, 2021
The Margo Fire has burned approximately 500 acres at Dudleyville, Arizona, according to information released Friday morning by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. They expect to have a more accurate estimate of size after they have GPS’d the perimeter.
On Friday firefighters are continuing to secure the open fire line on the south side and intend to keep the fire within the Gila River bed, north of the agricultural fields, south of San Pedro Road, and west of the town of Dudleyville.
Afternoon winds on Friday will likely pose another challenge for firefighters as they continue toward full suppression efforts. The weather forecast predicts 17 mph afternoon winds out of the northwest gusting to 25, with 90 degrees and 5 percent relative humidity.
Aircraft will be utilized again Friday to assist firefighters. Approximately 75-100 personnel are assigned to the fire.
Evacuation orders remain in place for the town of Dudleyville. That status will be evaluated later on Friday. Before the power lines can be reenergized, they must be assessed for damage.
Originally published at 6:37 p.m. MDT April 8, 2021
The Margo Fire is burning in the town of Dudleyville, Arizona along the river bottom through dense tamarisk. As of 1:30 p.m. on Thursday all residents of Dudleyville were ordered to evacuate by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.
Firefighters are challenged by strong winds and multiple spot fires.
An emergency shelter has been sent up at the Ray High School in Kearney. The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed NB State Route 77 at mile post 128.
Dudleyville is north of Tucson, on Highway 77 about 20 air miles north of Oracle.
At 6:10 p.m. on Thursday, a spokesperson for Arizona State Forestry said the fire had burned about 150 acres. Approximately 75 to 100 personnel are assigned. The agency said 12 structures are confirmed destroyed. They did not specify if the structures were residences or outbuildings.
What’s north division and south division? What happened to using alphabetical letters? Did I miss a change from NWCG? Let’s not make this a habit!