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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ranch Fire in Santa Cruz County Burns 2,700 Acres, Now 47% Contained
The Ranch Fire, a 2,751-acre wildfire burning in Santa Cruz County, is 47% contained as of Friday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Sparked by a lightning strike to a tree on Wednesday morning, the fire is burning about 19 miles southeast of Patagonia in the San Rafael Valley. Fueled by dense grasses and brush, strong winds have driven the flames from state land into the Coronado National Forest. Throughout the week, large air tankers worked with crews on the ground to suppress the flames, aided by cooler overnight temperatures and increased relative humidity. Crews are continuing mop-up operations along the fire's perimeter and within areas of heavy vegetation, as they work toward full containment. The Santa Cruz County Office of Emergency Management has downgraded all residents to the "Ready" phase of the "Ready, Set, Go" emergency response system. Santa Cruz County residents can sign up for emergency alerts at: Approximately 135 personnel remain assigned to the fire, including hand crews and engines. In May 2025, state, federal, and tribal agencies enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions across southeastern Arizona in response to extreme drought and heightened wildfire risk. Effective since May 12, the restrictions ban all campfires and stove fires on public lands—including those in developed campsites—as well as outdoor smoking. Fireworks have remained strictly prohibited on both state and federal lands. Violations of the restrictions were punishable by a 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 are subject to change. More information can be found at John Leos covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to Environmental coverage on and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Residents downgraded to "Ready" as Ranch Fire Hits 47% Containment
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
889-acre wildfire blazes near San Rafael Valley in southern Arizona
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 John Leos covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to Environmental coverage on and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram. Arizona wildfire evacuation checklist: What to do and take before leaving your home This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Evacuations possible as Ranch Fire sparks up in Santa Cruz County
