An aggressive blaze has prompted the evacuation of more than 200 homes in a mining town in eastern Arizona on Wednesday. The blaze, now dubbed as the Kearny River Fire, started as a brush fire burning near the Gila River bed. However, the fire quickly grew out of control.
An estimated 300 residents from the area have been evacuated by authorities, including residents of the 100-unit Stevens Trailer Park, as well as another 100 residential homes as the fire continued to rage in close to the community of Kearny, which is about 90 miles southeast of Phoenix, according to Reuters.
Despite a quick response from firefighters, at least two homes, one vehicle and two shed-like structures have been lost to the blaze. As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the fire has already spread to 300 acres of land, reports AZ Central.
There have been no reports of any injuries.
Mike Reichling of the Arizona State Forestry Division states that the weather conditions are making the containment of the fire challenging, though firefighters are trying their best to contain the blaze, reports Reuters.
"With the types of fuels and with the wind the way it is, there is really no best guess," Reichling said, adding "We're doing everything we can to protect the property."
Aiding the firefighters are two crew of state inmates from Perryville and Globe. Two helicopters and a fixed-wing plane are also being utilized to help in the battle against the blaze, according to AZ Central.
The cause of the Kearny River Fire has not been determined as of date.
