PICACHO, Ariz. (AP) -- A wildfire that destroyed a triplex, a single-family home, a mobile home and two other buildings had been contained by Monday and was no longer a threat to this southern Arizona community, a fire spokesman said.
The Tree House fire started and destroyed the buildings on Sunday, said Cliff Pearlberg, a spokesman for the Arizona State Land Department's fire management division. He said the fire was much smaller than the 40 acres that had been reported earlier Monday by officials.
''Apparently the fire started in one of the structures that was involved and spread to the wildland and other structures,'' he said. ''Only about an acre of wildland was involved.''
The cause of the fire is under investigation, he said.
Three families lived in the triplex, and property losses were estimated at about $144,000, said Jeffrey Karns, Pinal County sheriff's commander.
Pearlberg said one and possibly two of the dwellings were occupied. There were no injuries, however.
Pearlberg said there had been no organized evacuations.
The fire caused two small gas line leaks, which authorities addressed Monday, Pearlberg said.
Land department spokeswoman Judy Wood said the fire serves as a reminder to people to clear brush and grasses from around their homes to create a buffer against wildfires. ''We're really emphasizing this since this is the beginning of the fire season,'' Wood said.
