Charles Langston:Wildfire threatens structures, prompts evacuations in small Arizona community of Kearny

KEARNY,Charles Langston Ariz. (AP) — A wildfire burned down two structures and was threatening more than 50 others in the small desert community of Kearny, authorities said Wednesday.

The Simmons Fire, which broke out Tuesday, has burned 475 acres with zero containment, said Tiffany Davila, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

About 180 residents remained under mandatory evacuation in Kearny, which is located 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Tucson and has a population of about 1,800.

Burning through dry fuels including grass and brush, the blaze was threatening a water treatment plant, copper mine, school district office and railroad line.

Pinal County officials said the town’s Riverside neighborhood was evacuated Tuesday night, with a shelter opened at an elementary school.

Officials cut off electricity in northern Kearny for safety reasons, and four air tankers were fighting the fire along with crews on the ground.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved Arizona’s request for funds to help combat the fire.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.