Latest news with #SoutheasternArizonaCommunications
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Stronghold Fire crews achieve 22% containment for blaze burning south of Tucson
Firefighters working on the Stronghold Fire southeast of Tucson achieved 22% containment after the blaze burned more than 2,100 acres over two days. Fire officials said that there was little activity overnight on April 29. The fire's eastern flank was the most active as it burned through grass and brush within Grapevine Canyon, according to the national wildfire tracker InciWeb. The blaze ignited April 28 east of Benson, in Cochise County, and burned 2,138 acres as of April 30. The southern tip of the fire burned in the Dragoon Mountains. Multiple evacuations near Sunsites-Pearce and Cochise Stronghold were ordered, and co mmunities remained in GO (evacuate) and SET (prepare for an evacuation) status. The Stronghold Canyon area campgrounds and trailheads were closed due to the fire. Fire officials said about 240 personnel were working to protect homes to the northeast and east of the fire and securing the fire on the west side to keep it out of Stronghold Canyon East. Some hand crews and engines were conducting point protection around nearby homes and critical infrastructure within the fire's perimeter. Other values at risk include recreation sites, livestock infrastructure, wildlife habitats and watersheds, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The fire destroyed one building. The cause of the fire was unknown and under investigation. The Cochise County Sheriff's Office ordered an evacuation for residents west of Cochise Stronghold and south of Ironwood Road, including the Stronghold Canyon area campgrounds and trailheads in the Sunsites-Pearce area. Residents west of Desert Road, east of Cochise Stronghold Road, north of Middle March Road, south of West Eastland Street and north of Pearce Road are all in SET status. Additionally, residents east of Desert Road and west of North Willcox Road were in READY status. If residents need assistance evacuating large animals, they can call Southeastern Arizona Communications and CCSO Ranch Patrol, according to a Facebook post from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. A second wildfire ignited in Bisbee near Mason Hill, west of Highway 80, according to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office warned residents in Old Bisbee between West Boulevard and Art Avenue to prepare for an evacuation. The fire had burned 3 acres as of 11:30 a.m. April 30. Highway 80 was closed from West Blvd (east of the tunnel) to Naco Road. Drivers were detoured through Tombstone Canyon. The cause of the fire was unknown. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wildfires burn near Sunsites, Bisbee in Cochise County
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Evacuations ordered after strong winds spur fast-moving wildfire southeast of Tucson
A fire was blazing through dry desert vegetation southeast of Tucson, forcing an evacuation. The Stronghold Fire started around 11:30 a.m. April 28. As of 4 p.m., it burned 750 acres with a moderate rate of spread and moving to the northeast. The fire was 0% contained, as of 4 p.m. April 28. The Cochise County Sheriff's Office ordered an evacuation for residents west of Cochise Stronghold and south of Ironwood Roads in Sunsets. About 25 homes are in "go" status with another 100 homes in "set" status. If residents need assistance evacuating large animals, they can call Southeastern Arizona Communications and CCSO Ranch Patrol, according to a Facebook post from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The fire swallowed thick brush and grass and oak and juniper trees. High winds pushed the fire in all directions, according to Inciweb, a national wildfire tracker. The cause of the fire was unknown. Two large air tankers, two single engine air tankers, four Arizona Forestry hand crews, the Globe hotshots, along with state, federal and local engines were working to put out the fire. Aviation was working on the south side, Inciweb said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wildfire blazes southeast of Tucson, residents urged to evacuate
