State Route Arizona 83 has partially reopened after crews were battling several brush fires southeast of Tucson on Wednesday afternoon.
Arizona 83 was closed to traffic about 13 miles north of Arizona 82 until 7:30 p.m.
Both directions of travel are now alternating in the southbound lanes between mileposts 44 and 45 north of Sonoita, the Arizona Department of Transportation said in an alert.
Barrel (AZ-TDC-CNF) 10 ac. Located 15 east of Green Valley, AZ (31.8442, -10.6979). 2 Airtankers, 1 Lead, 1 SEAT, 1 T2 Helo ordered/assigned.
— SWCC (@SWCCNewsNotes) May 16, 2018
The Corona de Tucson Fire Department said in a tweet that the fires were growing quickly and air resources were requested. Two air tankers and a helicopter were assigned to the incident, which was designated as the Barrel Fire.
About 10 acres had burned around 4 p.m., shortly after it was reported by the Corona fire department. Officials Wednesday evening said the fires were mainly out but crews were remaining on scene for mop up duties and to make sure the fires to flare up again.
Video from the brush fire fight on Hwy 83. pic.twitter.com/36tB6IZ9AD
— CoronaFire (@CoronaFire) May 16, 2018
UPDATE: Hwy 83 is closed in both directions due to brush fire activity. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are assisting firefighters on the ground.
— CoronaFire (@CoronaFire) May 16, 2018
