ROACH FIRE: 95 percent contained at 335 acres

Published: Jul. 9, 2017 at 12:26 AM MST|Updated: Jul. 12, 2017 at 8:28 AM MST
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Two firefighters were hurt near Dudleyville (Source: Tucson News Now).
Two firefighters were hurt near Dudleyville (Source: Tucson News Now).

PINAL COUNTY, AZ (Tucson News Now) - The Roach Fire, which has destroyed at least five homes and nine structures in Dudleyville, is now 95 percent contained.

As of Tuesday afternoon, July 11, the fire had burned 335 acres.

Many of the firefighters were to be released with remaining crews patrolling the perimeter to watch for hotspots. Some firefighters will be on standby because of smoldering Cottonwood trees and high winds, which could cause flare-ups.

Crews will also begin to rehabilitate the control lines created from fire suppression. Rehabilitation is intended to mitigate soil erosion, discourage off-road vehicle use around the fire perimeter, and mitigate known hazards, among other goals.

Even though resources are scaling back, the public is advised to use caution as fire trucks will continue to enter and exit the highway to patrol the fire's perimeter.

All road closures and evacuations associated with the fire in Pinal County were lifted on Sunday evening, July 9.

Two people had to be pulled from suppression efforts against the Roach Fire on Saturday, July 8, because they were hurt, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

One firefighter suffered from a heat-related illness, according to department spokeswoman Tiffany Davila.

She said the other firefighter was stung by a scorpion.

The fire started Friday, July 7. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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