889-acre wildfire blazes near San Rafael Valley in southern Arizona

Yahoo

2 days ago

State and federal fire crews responded to a new wildfire in southern Arizona near the San Rafael State Natural Area state park in Santa Cruz County.
The Ranch Fire, located about 19 miles southeast of Patagonia, has burned through 889 acres and was spreading toward the south and southeast, according to a post on X from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Beginning on state land, the fire spread to the Coronado National Forest, burning within heavy grass and brush. As of 1:30 p.m. June 4, there was no containment of the Ranch Fire.
Approximately five to 10 properties along 134 Road to the north of the fire have been moved to the 'set' phase of the state's 'ready, set, go' emergency response scale, the state Forestry Department said. Residents should identify the closest shelter or safe location in the area, prepare an emergency kit and be ready to evacuate the area if the situation escalates, officials said.
Large air tankers are working with teams of hand crews and engines on the ground to make progress toward containment. More resources have been ordered to respond to the blaze.
The cause of the Ranch Fire has not been determined.
In May 2025, state, federal and tribal agencies implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions in southeastern Arizona due to extreme drought conditions and wildfire activity.
Since May 12, the restrictions have prohibited all campfires and stove fires on public lands, even those built within developed campsites, as well as outdoor smoking. Fireworks were always prohibited on state and federal land.
Violations of the restrictions were punishable by fine or imprisonment, and violators may be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.
Visitors and residents should check with local jurisdictions for relevant information as fire restrictions were subject to change.
More information can be found at https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.
John Leos covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to [e-mail].
Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Evacuations possible as Ranch Fire sparks up in Santa Cruz County