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Summary: Overnight, cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity levels helped keep fire activity minimal through Monday’s night shift. Two hotshot crews worked to hold, improve, and secure any uncontained line along the east flank of the fire. Last night engines patrolled across the fire’s perimeter, including around the structures monitoring for any issues or concerns that could potentially threaten the line during Tuesday’s critical fire weather. 

For today’s operational period, crews continue securing line and checking for any visible concerns to containment lines. Another Red Flag Warning is forecast for Southeastern Arizona today, including Graham County and the fire area. High winds with gusts up to 40 mph could test established containment lines. The northernmost flank of the fire is a top priority today as crews work to clean up any areas of unburned fuel that could pose a threat to the line. Along the east flank, and due to yesterday’s high winds, the fire saw additional growth on that side. Spot fires are a concern for Tuesday with winds expected to pick up later in the afternoon. Heavy fuels are still smoldering within the fire’s interior and could result in isolated torching. The increased fire activity due to the critical fire weather could result in additional growth in areas where heavy fuels are inhibiting firefighter access for mop up operations. A multi-mission aircraft flight will take place today to more accurately map the perimeter and assess hotspots within the fire’s interior and along the edge. Some Bryce Fire resources have been designated to provide initial attack response for any new starts within the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) to the support the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Bureau of Land Management. 

Yesterday, the Graham County Office of Emergency Management downgraded the SET status to READY for those residents impacted by the fire. However, due to public and firefighter safety, Eden Road and River Road at the US 70 remains closed. 

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in 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. 

The human-caused fire started on Wednesday, May 7, near the communities of Pima and Eden. The next day the fire was 80% contained, but on Friday high winds spotted the fire over a nearly 30’ containment line on the north side. High winds coupled with the dense vegetation fueled the fire, fanning it out to the north and northeast. Multiple power and gas lines were damaged in the fire. There are no reports of damaged or destroyed structures.

Evacuations and Closures: No pre-evacuations or evacuations. Eden Road and River Road closed at US 70.

Weather: Red Flag Warning Tuesday from 10am to 8pm 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.