UPDATE: Sawmill Fire now 96 percent contained; more crews released

Published: Apr. 23, 2017 at 4:33 PM MST|Updated: May. 1, 2017 at 8:28 PM MST
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This map gives an indication of the size of the Sawmill Fire on Friday morning, April 28, in...
This map gives an indication of the size of the Sawmill Fire on Friday morning, April 28, in relation to Tucson. (Source: Google Earth)
The Sawmill Fire can be seen from Ft. Huachuca. (Source: Kristina Cotton Frank)
The Sawmill Fire can be seen from Ft. Huachuca. (Source: Kristina Cotton Frank)
Air tankers were grounded briefly on Tuesday because of high winds. (Source: Lynn Fonseca)
Air tankers were grounded briefly on Tuesday because of high winds. (Source: Lynn Fonseca)

SONOITA, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Fire officials reported on Monday, May 1, that the Sawmill Fire is at 46,991 acres and is 96 percent contained.

Officials tallied the total personnel still working the fire at 306 people. This is significant drop off from the 799 people that were battling the fire the past couple of days.

As of Tuesday, May 2, approximately 40 personnel (three engines, one hand crew and miscellaneous overhead) will remain assigned to the incident.

Wind is still the biggest issue but officials say all fire lines have held up. As of Sunday there is no estimated date of full containment.

Officials said pre-evacuation notices will be lifted for J-6 and Rain Valley at 6 a.m. Monday, May 1.

"One spark can start a wildfire, said public information officer Sandra Lopez of the Incident Management Team. "It can do serious damage to natural resources. Please be vigilant in national parks and national forests."

The cost of the Sawmill Fire burning in southern Arizona is now up to $5.6 million.

On Thursday, April 25, officials confirmed the wildfire was caused by a recreational shooter.

Officials said the person, an off-duty Border Patrol agent, was target shooting in an area about 10 miles southeast of Green Valley when the fire started and immediately reported it.

A Type I Incident Management Team assumed command of the Sawmill Fire effort Thursday morning.

Type I teams are called in to manage large, complex incidents that include a large number of personnel and equipment. They manage the coordination of multi-agency and national resources.

Crews from the Arizona Department of Transportation will be making repairs to guardrails and other roadway features on State Route 83 that were damaged in the fire. The highway is open, but speed limits will be reduced in work zones.

SLIDESHOW: Photos of the Sawmill Fire

READ MORE: ONLY ON KOLD: Wildland firefighter talks about saving ranch from Sawmill Fire I J-6 Ranch, Mescal areas prepare to evacuate ahead of growing Sawmill Fire

  • A Type I Incident Management Team assumed command of the effort on Thursday, April 27.
  • The Sawmill Fire started just before noon on Sunday, April 23, in grass and brush about 10 miles southeast of Green Valley, and 40 miles south of Tucson.
  • The fire was caused by an off-duty Border Patrol agent who was target shooting in the area. Officials said the agent immediately reported the incident.
  • Some minor injuries have been reported, but no structures have been damaged.
  • At the height of the effort, almost 800 personnel were assigned to the blaze. Some of the agencies involved included The U.S. Forest Service, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Arizona State Park Patagonia Lake, Bureau of Land Management, Corona De Tucson Fire Department, Coronado National Forest, Elephant Head Fire Department, Green Valley Fire District, Helmet Peak Fire, Pima County Office of Emergency Management, Pima County Sheriff's Office, Rincon Valley Fire District, Rio Rico Fire District, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, Three Points Fire Department, Tubac Fire District and U.S. Border Patrol. There were also hotshot crews from Aravaipa, Blue Ridge, Globe, Payson and Prescott on the scene.
  • Rain Valley (lifted)
  • Greaterville (lifted)
  • Singing Valley (lifted)
  • Pre-evacuation notices issued for Empire Ranch, Hilton Ranch (east side of SR-83), J-6 and Mescal have been canceled.
  • Evacuation centers have been closed.
  • National Forest Service Road 62 is closed at the entrance to Box Canyon to the Melendrez Pass Communication Site in the Santa Rita Mountains.
  • The Arizona National Scenic Trail is closed in the segment from NFSR 4110 to NFSR 4072.

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