Latest news with #StrongholdFire
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Stronghold Fire near Tucson reaches 75% containment amid red flag warning
The Stronghold Fire burning near Tucson in southern Arizona increased to 75% containment May 4 despite a red flag warning going into effect for the area, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The red flag warning meant conditions were prime for wildfires which includes strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures. The agency posted on X on the morning of May 4, where it said the wildfire had burned 2,138 acres since it started on April 28, roughly 16 miles south of Cochise in Cochise County. It urged the public to avoid burning anything and tools that create sparks. It also said to ensure trailer chains were properly secured. The National Weather Service's Tucson office posted on X that the red flag warning was in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for eastern portions of southeast Arizona with gusts of around 45 mph along with low humidity. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Stronghold Fire is 75% contained, red flag warning is in place
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Stronghold Fire in southern Arizona is 69% contained; no new growth reported
The Stronghold Fire is 69% contained, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management on May 3. This is a slight increase from 62% on May 2, when 265 personnel were actively fighting the blaze. The fire has scorched 2,138 acres in the Dragoon Mountains, about 21 miles east of Benson Acres, southeast of Tucson. The fire initially started on April 28, and its cause remains under investigation. While there were concerns that hot, windy conditions could intensify the fire, no new growth was reported on May 3. A fire weather watch is forecast for southeast Arizona for May 4, including Cochise County and the Stronghold Fire. The Type 3 Incident Management Team will maintain command of the fire throughout the upcoming weather event, ensuring continued coordination and resource support until the fire is fully contained, officials said. Additional help: In Arizona, weather influences wildfires and weather forecasts guide firefighters This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Stronghold Fire in southern Arizona is 69% contained
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Stronghold Fire minimized by overnight weather but concerns remain for windy weekend
The Stronghold Fire remains burning southeast of Tucson in the Dragoon Mountains, but more than half has been contained, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. At 2,138 acres burning as of May 2, there is a 62% containment with 265 people battling the fire, found 21 miles east of Benson Acres, according to the forestry and fire department. There has been no growth to the fire in the past few days, with cooler temperatures overnight and relatively higher humidity having helped minimize the flames, the department said. On the morning of May 2, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office lifted the SET notifications to "ready" status for south of Ironwood and west of Cochise Stronghold roads, the department said. There remains a concern that the hot, windy and dry conditions on the weekend could intensify the Stronghold Fire, the department cautioned. Crews were expected to complete their work along the west end of the fire by checking on the line for any potential threats, according to the department. A drone was flying over steep and rugged terrain and revealed some hotspots within the fire where smoldering remains, the department added. The fire started on April 28 and its cause remains under investigation, according to the department. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Stronghold Fire could worsen due to wind in southern Arizona
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
Arizona wildfires that burned in 2025 across the state
The 2025 Arizona wildfire season began with the Cahava Fire Jan. 8, followed by April's Stronghold Fire. See photos of fires throughout the season.
