Evacuation orders were lifted Sunday for residents near the Mulberry Fire, which has burned about 1,750 acres south of Tucson.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and hotshot crews assisted state, local and federal agencies in their efforts to put out the fire, and reported about 45 percent containment Sunday.

The fire sparked at about 2 p.m. Saturday and was burning thick grass and dense brush, said Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management spokeswoman Tiffany Davilla. She said about 200 fire personnel and multiple ground and air resources fought the fire.

The fire continued to burn Sunday morning through brush and tall grasses, fanned by the winds, Davilla said.

“Right now, the full focus is on structure protection and … safety,” Davilla said.

The fire is off State Route 83 south of Tucson near Vail.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office issued mandatory evacuation orders for certain residents, but the orders were lifted Sunday.

Davila said about 20 residents have been evacuated and a shelter was established by The American Red Cross at the Pima County Fairgrounds.

The cause of the fire is unknown and currently under investigation.

People driving in the area are asked to avoid State route 83 in that area due to heavy smoke and traffic.

Visit myalerts.pima.gov for alerts on evacuations.

Return to azcentral.com for updates.

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