Residents near a southern Arizona wildfire that forced emergency evacuations over the weekend are breathing easier after authorities downgraded evacuation orders Sunday morning as firefighters gained ground on the blaze.
The Palominas Fire, burning south of Sierra Vista and Bisbee in Cochise County, had pushed some residents into the highest level of evacuation status Saturday — a “GO” order indicating imminent danger and the need to leave immediately. By Sunday morning, crews had reached 50% containment of the 40-acre fire, allowing officials to scale back those urgent warnings.
Residents west of Palominas Trail and south of Arizona Highway 92, who had been under the “GO” order, saw their status reduced to “SET” — meaning the threat had eased but residents should remain prepared to leave on short notice. Those living north of the highway and east of Palominas Road, who had been under a “SET” status Saturday, were fully cleared of any evacuation warning by Sunday.
Firefighting efforts are ongoing, and residents in the broader area are encouraged to monitor updates from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office as crews work toward full containment.
