Second desert fire reported south of Florence

Fire crews have gotten the upper hand on another fire burning south of Florence – the second one this week.

The Dotbug Fire started Thursday evening in the desert area along State Route 79 and East Paisano Drive,  about 11 miles south of Florence, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

The department estimates the fire has burned 150 acres, but fire crews have encircled the blaze and now have it 60% contained.

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office had put residents in the area at “set” in which they should consider voluntarily relocating. The status has now been returned to “ready” in which residents should be aware of hazards in their communities.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has now reopened the eastbound lane of State Route 79, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is reporting.

On Wednesday afternoon, a fire was reported in the area of Pinebrook and Dogwood roads in the Cactus Forest area about six miles south of Florence and west of State Route 79. About 90 minutes after it started, fire crews were able to contain the fire at 8 acres.