US: Authorities working to contain wildfire in Pinal County, Ariz., as of late May 29

Crews are working to contain a wildfire burning in Pinal County, Arizona, as of late May 29. The Simmons Fire is burning approximately 7 km (4.5 miles) northwest of Kearny on both sides of the Gila River. The fire broke out the evening of May 29 and has grown to at least 192 hectares (475 acres) and is zero-percent contained. More than 100 firefighting personnel are on site tackling the blaze. Warm, dry, and breezy conditions have helped aid the fire's growth in recent days, and a rise in temperatures is likely in the days ahead; further wildfire growth will probably occur in the coming hours and days.

As of late May 29, authorities have issued the following evacuation orders and alerts for surrounding communities:

• Go Status (leave immediately): Riverside neighborhood outside Kearny, affecting around 180 residents.

• Set Status (prepare to leave at short notice): Residents to the south from Ray Junction Road and State Road 177 to the Kearny city limits.

Depending on the fire's development, officials could update, extend, downgrade, or rescind the status of evacuation orders at short notice. Authorities have established emergency shelters for evacuated residents at Ray Elementary in Kearny. As a precaution, officials have cut off electricity in northern Kearny. The fire has destroyed at least two structures and may further impact over 50 others. State Road 177 has reopened in both directions.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.