Arizona Wildfire Update: Bryce Fire Expands to 850 Acres

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

The Bryce Fire in Arizona causing extensive smoke and damage to the landscape.

News Summary

As of May 9, 2025, the Bryce Fire in Graham County, Arizona, has grown to 850 acres with 25% containment. The fire, sparked on May 7, has led to urgent evacuations and continues to challenge firefighting efforts due to strong winds and dry weather. Air support and ground resources are actively working to manage the blaze, which poses risks to nearby residents.

Arizona Wildfire: Bryce Fire Grows to 850 Acres, 25% Contained

The Bryce Fire in Graham County, Arizona, has expanded to 850 acres as of May 9, 2025, with 25% containment efforts in place. The blaze, located in the Gila River bottom north of Safford, has prompted urgent evacuations and heightened concerns among local residents.

As firefighting efforts continue, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is leading the containment initiatives, with 177 personnel deployed to tackle the fire. This team includes various equipment and crews, such as hotshot crews, hand crews, fire engines, tenders, and a bulldozer. An incident management team is scheduled to take over operations beginning May 10, 2025, as the situation evolves.

Details of Fire Expansion and Evacuations

The fire ignited on May 7, 2025, around 3:30 p.m., potentially triggered by an explosion linked to an ATV. Initially, the fire occupied 160 acres and was reported as 80% contained on May 8. However, strong winds complicated the containment efforts, crossing a 25-30 foot containment line on the fire’s north side, allowing the flames to spread further.

The fire has exhibited extreme behavior, with long-range spotting reported. As it expanded approximately six miles northwest towards Fort Thomas, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office issued a “SET” alert, alerting residents in the river corridor area to prepare for possible evacuations. While some residents voluntarily evacuated, others remain on standby.

Containment Challenges and Resources Deployed

Air support was initiated, with air tankers ordered to assist in the firefighting efforts; however, they were later grounded due to inefficacy in combating the fire. Water scoopers have been utilized effectively, drawing resources from the nearby San Carlos Reservoir to contribute to containment. Despite these efforts, no structures have been reported damaged or destroyed as of the latest updates.

Road conditions remain stable with U.S. Highway 70 open in both directions; however, drivers are cautioned about potential brief closures due to drifting smoke from the fire. Firefighters are employing both direct and indirect strategies to manage suppression in the area, which features a dense tamarisk environment known for its flammability.

Weather Impacting Fire Management

As firefighting operations progress, crews are actively working on lines in the north/northwest area to halt the fire’s advancement and establish defensive borders. Unfortunately, predictions indicate that hot, dry, and windy weather conditions may persist over the weekend, posing challenges to the overall containment effort.

Currently, the Bryce Fire remains an active concern, producing significant smoke as invasive salt cedar continues to burn. The dedication of firefighting forces and ongoing assessment of the situation will be paramount as the community remains vigilant in the face of this wildfire.