Kearny residents told to evacuate as fires burn outside of town, shut down SR 177 in Pinal County

Evacuations are in effect for residents near Kearny as the Ray and Shake fires burn just outside of the town.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office placed residents north of Shake Drive on a "GO-evacuate now" status, and residents south of Shake Drive are in a "SET-be alert status."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 9 Administrator authorized federal funding to combat the Shake Fire Tuesday evening. The federal grant can cover up to 75% of eligible costs including expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

The Kearny Elementary cafeteria was designated as an evacuation location, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The American Red Cross is working with the community to open a shelter at a local Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints chapel located at 200 Hammond Drive.

The Ray Fire began Tuesday about a mile and a half northwest of Kearny. It has grown to an estimated 51 acres and forward progress of the fire has stopped, according to officials.

The Shake Fire, just south of the Ray Fire, started Tuesday and is two fires being managed as one incident. It has grown to an estimated 20 acres and threatens homes on the southeast side of the community.

Bureau of Land Management fire resources are also on the ground responding to the Shake Fire.

State Route 177 near milepost 144 was closed because the fire was approaching the highway. Four single-engine air tankers were ordered because of the fire's impact on the highway, a spokesperson with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management told The Arizona Republic. State hand crews are on the ground as well.

The cause of the fire was unknown at the time and about 51 personnel were responding to the Ray Fire.

According to census data, Kearny is a small town with a population of about 2,300 residents.

Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @maritzacdom.