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Bear Fire fully contained; SET status lifted

Some area residents choosing to self-evacuate. Windy conditions persist in the area where crews are working to establish lines

By: KGUN 9 News Staff

Posted

and last updated

UPDATE Wednesday, May 29

The Bear fire is at 100% containment, according to AZDFFM.

Cochise County Sheriff's Office has lifted SET evacuation status.

UPDATE 10:35 P.M.

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office said SET notices remain in effect for a five-mile radius from 6141 Diamondback. That means people should be prepared to evacuate but an evacuation is not required.

They said the fire was 131 acres and crews are still working on getting line around the fire.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.

Windy and dry conditions continue to fuel fire risk near the Bear Fire Tuesday afternoon:

Windy conditions near Bear Fire east of Benson

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.

The Bear Fire is currently estimated at about 50 to 75 acres, according to AZDFFM. Spokespeople tell KGUN 9 three large air tankers have been ordered.

The fire is currently active on the south and east sides of the burn area.

Air tankers are expected to arrive shortly after 5 p.m., and will work alongside crews on the ground.

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A wildfire estimated about 15 acres is burning east of Benson Tuesday afternoon, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (AZDFFM).

Named the Bear Fire, authorities say it's currently burning through brush and grasses approximately 18 miles east of Benson and 21 miles south of Dragoon.

Some multi-acre plots are located in the area. Cochise County authorities say the area is currently under pre-evacuation SET status, though some have chosen to evacuate at this point.

Cochise County says conditions are currently very windy. Benson Fire is working the scene with Cochise County Sheriff's deputies assisting. Air Attack has been launched, according to AZDFFM.