With a Red Flag Warning under effect as least four wildfires continue to burn in Cochise County, officials continue to evacuate residents whose properties are under threat.
The largest of the blazes, the Lizard Fire, had burned just over 10,500 acres as of Saturday morning, with weather conditions proving to be a problem.
The other three wildfires burning in the Coronado National Forest Saturday are the Bowie Fire, Saner Fire and Rucker Fire.
Today's high winds coming out of the west and southwest, combined with warm temperatures, low humidity and plenty of dry grass and brush pose a significant threat to residents in the area of the Lizard Fire, said Carol Capas, a Cochise County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.
Power has been temporarily discontinued to a small number of homes in the area, as the blaze is threatening power transmission in the area, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
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As authorities modify the power system, rolling brownouts might occur throughout the county, but are expected to be short in nature.
Friday night, a Type 1 Incident Management team took over operations in the Lizard fire, which merged with the Dragoon Fire earlier in the day, Capas said.
The forest service reported Friday that 350 personnel had been assigned to battle the blaze, including 25 engines, a hot shot crew, two water tankers and a helicopter, according to the forest service.
The fire started Wednesday after a lighting strike to the area.
Authorities have implemented evacuations in parts of the Dragoon and Cochise stronghold communities with pre-evacuations ordered for the Sunsites Pearce area, and Dragoon Road was closed from I-10 to Stronghold Road, Capas said.
For residents who have been displaced and need shelter, the Red Cross of Southern Arizona has set up a shelter and reception facility at Valley Union High School in Elfrida, 4088 E. Jefferson Rd., Capas said.
Cochise County's Emergency Operations Center opened Wednesday and will stay open 24/7 until the threat to the community is reduced, Capas said. As of Saturday morning, the center was expected to remain open through the weekend.
Residents who need information or have concerns can contact the center at 432-9820.
The most up-to-date official information for the fires can be viewed at the Inciweb website.
