Officials from the Arizona Department of Transportation say State Route 83 has partially reopened after a brush fire erupted south of Tucson. ,

The flames were first reported around 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 north of Sonoita, approximately 50 miles southeast of Tucson.

So far, the fire has scorched 260 acres, requiring emergency crews to battle the blaze with the help of helicopters. First responders shut down State Route 83 in both directions this afternoon, leaving motorists stuck for up to three hours.

Authorities are referring to this blaze as the Barrel Fire. Aircrafts were called in to drop fire suppressant to slow the spread of the flames. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.

Traffic is moving in both directions once again.

For more information, please visit the official Corona del Tucson Fire District Twitter.