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Stronghold Fire with crew buggies in the foreground.
Stronghold Fire burning in Cochise County, approximately 16 miles south of Cochise.
Stronghold Fire south of Cochise as seen by Air Attack.
As of 7pm, the Stronghold Fire is estimated at 2,000 acres with no containment to report at this time. The fire burned aggressively most of the day fueled by winds and drought stricken fuels. The fire is burning through grass and brush, including oak and juniper and has pushed into the Dragoons and the Coronado National Forest on the west and south sides. The wind continues to shift directions on crews posing a challenge with suppression efforts. At this time, multiple residents remain in GO (evacuation) and SET (pre-evacuation) status.
Today, resources, including four Arizona Forestry hand crews, a hotshot crew, state, federal, and local engines, along with heavy aircraft worked to slow the fire's spread. Crews are working point protection around nearby properties and working to tie the fire in into existing roads. Aviation assisted ground resources on the south side of the fire working to slow's spread on that side. Two Single Engine Air Tankers, two Large Air Tankers, and a Very Large Air Tanker worked the fire for most of the afternoon. Due to high winds late Monday afternoon, aircraft was grounded and has been grounded but remain on standby for Tuesday.
Due to potentially poor overnight recovery in terms of humidity levels and temperatures, fire activity is not expected to decrease much. However, resources remain engaged and continue efforts toward full suppression.
One outbuilding has been destroyed in the fire. A fire investigator is on order along with the Southeast Zone Incident Management Type 3 Team.
The Stronghold Fire started at approximately 11:30 am on Monday, April 28, near Sunsites-Pearce and 16 miles south of Cochise.
The Cochise County Sheriff's Office has placed multiple homes in the Sunsites Pearce-area in GO and SET. Per CCSO and the Cochise County Office of Emergency Management:
GO: West of Cochise Stronghold Road, south of Ironwood Road to include Stronghold canyon area campgrounds and trailheads.
SET: East of Cochise Stronghold Road, west of Desert Road, south of Eastland Road, north of Pearce Road.
For more information:
All evacuation information will come from the Cochise County Sheriff's Office: https://www.facebook.com/CochiseSO
Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry
Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management on X: https://x.com/azstateforestry
| Current as of | Mon, 04/28/2025 - 22:48 |
|---|---|
| Incident Time Zone | Arizona Mountain Standard Time |
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Unknown, under investigation |
| Date of Origin | |
| Incident Time Zone | Arizona Mountain Standard Time |
| Location | 16 miles south of Cochise |
| Incident Commander | Eric Huddleston, DFFM |
| Incident Description | Wildfire |
| Coordinates |
31° 56' 42'' Latitude
-109° 55' 51
'' Longitude
|
| Total Personnel: | 246 |
|---|---|
| Size | 2,000 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 0% |
| Fuels Involved | Grass and brush, oak and juniper |
| Significant Events | High winds pushing fire in all directions |
| Weather Concerns | Sunny, with a high near 70. Light and variable wind becoming west 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. |
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