Update 2 – Published Thursday, June 23, 2022, 1950 hours PT
The CONTRERAS FIRE burned a total of 29,482 acres and firefighters were successful in reaching 100% containment this afternoon. Monsoon rains fell over the area, helping with fire behavior reducing and enabling fire crews assistance on the fire line.
All evacuation orders and warnings for the Pan Tak Schuk Toak District Tohono O’odham Nation areas were lifted on Wednesday, June 22nd.
Those on Social Media credit heroic firefighting efforts in stopping extreme fast-moving fire uphill toward the 20-plus telescopes at the Kitt Peak observatory.
The Kitt Peak National Observatory reported that the NOIRLab leadership viewed all scientific structures from a distance today (June 18th). They report that all physical scientific observatory structures are still standing, but several non-science buildings were lost.
All personnel with the Lab were originally evacuated at 1645 hours MST on June 15th.
This is our final update unless additional information is received or there is a significant increased in activity.
Update 1 – Published Sunday, June 19, 2022, 2030 hours PT
A newly reported fire we picked up is Arizona’s Contreras Fire, located in a remote area of the Baboquivari Mountain range, about 20 miles east of Sells, and eight miles southeast of the Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona.
The cause was due to lightning striking the area.
The Lead Agency is the Papago Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs and is under the management of an Eastern Area Type 2 IMT unit.
Fire behavior today had increased activity on the north end of the perimeter south of Highway 86 between mile markers six and seven, producing heavy smoky conditions for those in the Pan Tak and Hayhook Estates communities.
Ground fire personnel have been heavily supported by air support with both water and retardant drops.
Fire Officials are expecting the fire behavior to continue to be active well into night fire operations.
Currently, there is 397 total fire personnel assigned alongside eight crews, 16 engines, and six copters.
At the time of this update, the fire has consumed 20,360 acres and has been deemed to have reached a 40% containment status.
Significant Events have occurred since this fire ignited in how in the second photo shown above of a “Fire Tornado” shows dangerous fire conditions for anyone near and above the fire line.
Cost-to-Date has reached $4,500,000 Dollars.
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