A fast-moving fire is burning near the Dragoon Mountains in Cochise County.
Good news from Cochise County: Knob Hill fire is now 74% contained. The fire started Saturday on private land and then spread up to the ridge of the Dragoon Mtns. south of Benson.
— KevinBoughton (@KevinBoughton) February 13, 2018
The human-caused Knob Hill fire is under investigation. The fire started around 11:45 a.m. Saturday and has spread to 2900 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
UPDATE: Knob Hill Fire still 15% contained. No major concern about Red Flag warning. Crews worked overnight to secure fire line and are prepared. Live report coming up @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/6AM7T9U8Ky
— Carlos Herrera (@KGUNCarlos) February 12, 2018
Approximately 15 residences have been evacuated and dozens are under pre-evacuation status.
Fire officials say a total of 175 people are working the fire with one helicopter, 10 fire engines, and 2 water tenders.
Inciweb put out an update around 10 a.m. Tuesday saying the fire is percent contained.
Officials say the fire started on private land and has burned over the mountain range onto the flatlands. High winds are driving the fire as it burns dry grass and brush.
In a press release, the U.S. Forest Service reminds visitors:
"Even though it is winter, conditions are warm and dry, and large amounts of dried vegetation are available to burn across the landscapes of the Coronado National Forest. Fire 'season' on the Forest is now year-round. 'One Less Spark' means one less wildfire. Everyone should be aware of conditions around them, and their activities, and take care not to cause the spark that could ignite a wildfire - use ashtrays to dispose of smoking materials, secure tow chains so they do not drag on asphalt, don't park vehicles over dry grass, when building a campfire ensure it's done in a safe location, don't weld outdoors or build campfires on windy days, never leave a campfire unattended for a reason for any length of time."
Stay with KGUN9 and kgun9.com for updates.
