Single Publication

Summary: Fire activity moderated some overnight giving Sunday’s night shift the opportunity to reinforce existing control features in advance of Monday’s incoming critical fire weather. The night shift of engines and hotshot crews focused on the northern flank of the fire, as well as east of River Road where nearly one mile of containment line was established by firing operations the night before. Firefighters continue efforts to keep the fire from impacting railroad and utility infrastructure, homes, and agricultural fields. Today’s operational period includes a Red Flag Warning. With that, resources remain extra vigilant ensuring containment lines across the fire area are secure and will hold through the critical fire weather over the next few days. Some visible, interior smokes remain as the heavy amounts of salt cedar within the Gila River bed continue to smolder. With the anticipated fire weather, remaining unburned fuels inside the fire perimeter are anticipated to continue to burn resulting in areas of smoke. Line personnel will monitor closely. If needed, a Type 1 helicopter is available to provide bucket work to assist ground resources. More than 270 personnel are assigned to the incident, including hotshot and hand crews, engines, water tenders, a dozer and excavator, medical teams, and overhead. Heavy aircraft is also available if fire conditions warrant.  

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of eastern and southeastern Arizona today and tomorrow which includes Graham County and the Bryce Fire. Monday’s Red Flag Warning goes into effect from 12pm to 7pm. This critical fire weather includes low relative humidity levels and wind gusts up to 45 mph. Any fires that start under Red Flag conditions can spread rapidly. 

Also today, Stage 2 fire restrictions go into effect for southeastern Arizona on state, federal and some tribal lands. These restrictions include state, federal, and tribal lands within Graham County. Under Stage 2 restrictions, campfires, target shooting, and fireworks are not allowed. Target shooting and fireworks are never allowed on State Trust lands. 

SET, or pre-evacuation status remains in place for residents in the river corridor in the Fort Thomas area and for residents between Eden Road and Fort Thomas. Residents should stay alert of the weather and potentially fluid fire conditions. US 70 remains open, but travelers through the area should be aware of potential traffic delays or closures should conditions warrant. 

The human-caused fire started on Wednesday, May 7. On Friday morning, high winds spotted the fire over a 25-30’ containment line on the north end. Those winds, coupled with the vegetation type, fueled the fire fanning it out to the north and northeast. Multiple power and gas lines were damaged in the fire. At this time, there are no reports of damaged or destroyed structures.

Evacuations and Closures: Per the Graham County Office of Emergency Management SET for homes between Eden Road and Fort Thomas on the north side of US 70. SET for all homes located in the river corridor in the Fort Thomas-area. 

Weather: Red Flag Warning Monday from 12pm to 7pm including Graham County and the Bryce Fire.  

Safety: Due to aircraft use, a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) is in place over the fire. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.