Arizona wildfire updates 2024: Farm Fire in Yavapai County forces evacuations

After a wet winter, Arizona wildfire season launched in late April, when at least three wildfires ignited in the state.

In 2023, heavy rain and snow delayed the start of fire season, which began in June and led to below-average burn totals in the state. The peak of wildfire season typically occurs between April and early July, but efforts to prepare by forest and fire management take place year-round.

Arizona could see increased fire activity this year. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said heavier winter rains and snow in recent years have doubled the amount of fuel for wildfires in regions of higher risk.

Here is a roundup of Arizona wildfires burning in 2024:

Farm Fire

(Updated Aug. 10)

Location: About 1 mile north of Yava, Arizona, and 5 miles north of Hillside in Yavapai County.

What we know: The Farm Fire had burned about 40 acres and was growing north of Hillside on the afternoon of Aug. 8, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office announced a "go" status evacuation for residents on Iron Horse Road.

Its growth was slowed by rain and work by fire crews. Fire crews worked to address pockets of heat on the perimeter of the fire on August 9.

By August 10, the fire had reached 111 acres and 50% containment.

Start date: Aug. 8

Cause: Unknown

Acreage: 111

Containment: 50%

Skeleton Fire

(Updated Aug. 9)

Location: 11 miles north of Black Canyon City east of the Agua Fria National Monument.

What we know: The Skeleton Fire was caused by lightning on Aug. 3 and occupied an area east of the Agua Fria National Monument and Interstate 17. It has burned 24,034 acres as of Aug. 8.

On Aug. 7, firefighters continued securing the fire's edges, given the blaze's zero containment. The fire saw minimal growth during the day on Aug. 6. The area received some moisture across Perry Mesa on the evening of Aug. 6. The fire's increased acreage is from fire activity that occurred the night of Aug. 5.

Start date: Aug. 3

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 24,034

Containment: 30%

Clair Fire

(Updated Aug. 9)

Location: Southwest of Horseshoe Lake Reservoir off Forest Road 205.

What we know: The Clair Fire was burning in Maricopa County near the Horseshoe Lake Reservoir and was one of multiple new wildfires that started near the Tonto National Forest after a series of thunderstorms on Aug. 4.

Successful firefighting efforts on the ground, in combination with aviation support, lower temperatures and light precipitation are helping crews gain containment, officials reported Aug. 8. Firefighters continue to operate through the night to increase containment on all other fires, including Clair Fire, while also remaining available for initial attack on any new fires.

Smoke may be visible Aug. 8 from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Deer Creek, Rye, Rio Verde, Goldfield and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills.

Fire officials said Aug. 8 that Horseshoe Lake campgrounds, Bartlett Lake recreation sites, and Bartlett Dam Road remain closed due to the Bartlett and Clair fires. The Cave Creek Ranger District office closed Aug. 5 due to ongoing fire and staffing issues.

Start date: Aug. 4

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 2,170

Containment: 51%

Bartlett Fire

(Updated Aug. 8)

Location: West side of Bartlett Lake and north of Bartlett Flats.

What we know: The Bartlett Fire was one of multiple new wildfires that started in the Tonto National Forest after a series of thunderstorms on Aug. 4. The fire was estimated as of Aug. 8 to be at 6,161 acres on the west side of Bartlett Lake in Maricopa County.

Fire officials said Aug. 8 that Horseshoe Lake campgrounds, Bartlett Lake recreation sites, and Bartlett Dam Road remain closed due to the Bartlett and Clair fires.

Fire behavior was moderated on the Bartlett, Clair, and Sheep fires yesterday due to scattered precipitation and lower temperatures, officials reported Aug. 8. Officials from the Tonto National Forest said aviation was used until dark to suppress the fire.

During an aerial reconnaissance flight, firefighters recorded updated fire perimeters on the Bartlett and Clair fires. Firefighters will continue to direct air support toward the most active fires to moderate fire behavior and secure the perimeters. 

Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Deer Creek, Rye, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills, officials reported on Aug. 8.

On Aug. 7, officials said firefighters were planning to work throughout the day to hold the Bartlett Fire within its current footprint.

Start date: Aug. 4

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 6,161

Containment: 69%

Sand Stone Fire

(Updated Aug. 8)

Location: North of Fountain Hills, to the north and east between State Route 87 and the Verde River

What we know: On Aug 2., officials from the Tonto National Forest said the fire showed very little movement and the "set" status for Sunflower was lifted and changed to "ready".

On Aug. 8, officials reported the fire had burned 27,390 and crews had achieved 96% containment. With containment reaching higher percentages on the Sand Stone Fire, chipping and mastication efforts will continue today on the 201 and 201A roads.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reopened both direction lanes on SR 87 between State Route 188 and Bush Highway on Aug. 1 as fire activity decreased.

The Cave Creek and Mesa Ranger District offices announced an emergency closure order for a large portion of the southwestern region of the Tonto National Forest on July 29, set to last until Aug. 31, because of public health and safety concerns related to the fire.

Start date: July 25

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 27,390

Containment: 96%

Adessa Fire

(Updated July 26)

Location: Tonto National Forest. On the Mesa Ranger District south of the Superstition Wilderness, in between the Woodberry and Rogers Through Trailheads.

What we know: The Adessa Fire was caused by lightning on July 24. It was initially burning 120 acres.

On July 25, outflow winds caused the fire's growth.

Fire resources on the scene included two hand crews, five engines, one attack module, two type 1 helicopters and aircraft. National resources are limited due to other fires across the country.

While no communities are at risk, officials urge the public to avoid the Woodbury Trailhead off Forest Road 172, Rogers Trailhead off Forest Road 172A and the portion of the Arizona Trail that is near the fire.

Start date: July 24

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 616

Containment: 0%

Windy Mesa Fire

(Updated July 26)

Location: 7 miles east of Wikieup, on Neale Mesa.

What we know: The Windy Mesa Fire started July 22 and was burning in desert grass and brush. Firefighters were challenged by the remote, rough and rugged terrain.

By the evening of July 25, firefighters had reached 50% containment with no change in acreage. A Bureau of Land Management Representative said that because the fire is in a remote area, no structures are threatened and there are no road closures.

Start date: July 22

Cause: Under investigation

Acreage: 824

Containment: 50%

Romero Fire

(Updated July 26)

Location: 13 miles southwest of Kearny.

What we know: The Romero Fire was reportedly discovered around 6:30 p.m. on July 19. It was burning in grass and brush, in an area north of where the Freeman Fire burned. The fire’s behavior included active flames with smoldering, creeping and running. 

The "SET" evacuation status for 3C Ranch was lifted on July 23.

As of July 24, the fire's response resources were reduced to two crews, two engines, one medical team, and one water tender to patrol and mop up until 100% containment. An increase in acreage between July 22 and July 24 occurred due to firing operations conducted on the northeast corner.

The Arizona Trail was closed between Oracle and Kearny. Hikers should use an alternate route.

Although the Temporary Flight Restriction has been lifted, the Arizona Department of Forestry continues to urge people to not use drones in the area in case aircraft need to be used for the fire.

The Arizona Trail continues to be closed between Oracle and Kearny.

Start date: July 19

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 7,392

Containment: 100%

Circle Fire

(Updated July 26)

Location: 14.5 miles southwest of Kearny, near the base of Antelope Peak

What we know: The Circle Fire was reportedly discovered shortly after 7 p.m. on July 19. It was burning in grass and brush near the base of Antelope Peak.

As of July 24, there was minimal activity and resources were reduced. One crew, two engines, one medical team and one water tender remained assigned to patrol the fire and continue mop up until it reached 100% containment.

Firefighters were still working on Freeman, Barkerville Ranch and Willow Springs Ranch roads. Motorists were encouraged to avoid Barkerville and Willow Springs roads. Officials asked those who don't need to use those roads to find an alternative route. Residents who have to use the roads were asked to drive at slower speeds with their headlights on.

The Arizona Trail is closed between Oracle and Kearny. Hikers should use an alternate route.

Start date: July 19

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 2,800

Containment: 95%

Black Fire

(Updated July 22)

Location: South of Roosevelt Lake on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness

What we know: A lighting strike ignited the Black Fire on July 11, burning more than 11,100 acres of the Tonto National Forest. Evacuation orders issued in several areas have been lifted throughout the week. Road closures in portions of Tonto Basin, Globe and Mesa Ranger Districts remain in effect until Sept. 1.

The Tonto National Forest is getting set to reopen the Grapevine and Frazier campgrounds in the Roosevelt Recreation Area as firefighters have gotten most of the fire contained. Crews are now in the “mop-up" process, meaning firefighters will continue patrolling the perimeter and eliminating any remaining hot spots, or burn materials like embers, that can rekindle the fire.

On the morning of July 22, crews had nearly completed roadwork and suppression repair work. While repair work was expected to be done by the end of the week, one crew, five engines and two helicopters will patrol and secure the perimeter of the fire over the next several weeks.

Start date: July 11

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 11,162

Containment: 85%

Pius Fire

(Last updated July 22)

Location: 20 miles Northeast of Payson

What we know: The Pius Fire was reported to have started around 12:31 p.m. on July 8. As of July 15, fire behavior is minimal. Weather and fire suppression actions have reduced fire behavior to creeping and smoldering, according to Inciweb.

The “go” evacuation status was lifted for people living in and around Bear Canyon Lake and Knoll Lake including the areas north of Forest Road 300, according to Coconino County Emergency Management on July 15.

Start date: July 8

Cause: Unknown

Acreage: 1,714

Containment: 90%

Weimer Fire

(Last updated July 8)

Location: Approximately 10 miles north of Forest Lakes and 20 miles west of Heber-Overgaard in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

What we know: The Weimer Fire has grew to approximately 1,066 acres as of July 8. It was burning within the 2009 Wagon Draw fire scar. It reached 80% containment as of Monday.

Four engines, three attack crews, two dozers and a helicopter were dispatched, according to an update from forest spokesperson Steve Johnson. The Arizona Emergency Information Network announced July 8 at 3:05 p.m. remaining resources included three engines.

Smoke was expected to be visible from State Routes 260 and 277 and the communities of Forest Lakes and Heber-Overgaard. Johnson cautioned drivers to be wary of lower visibility as smoke spread along FR 170, FR 99, Chevelon Canyon, Forest Lakes and SR 260. No buildings were threatened, and there were no evacuations.

Ignitions have been completed as of Monday, according to an update by the Arizona Weather Network, and fire crews will continue to secure the fire perimeter by extinguishing remaining hot spots along containment lines.

Road closures: FR 170 near the fire area was temporarily closed on July 5 but was reopened on July 9 according to the AZEIN.

Start date: July 2

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 1,066

Containment: 80%

Lake Havasu Fire

(Last updated June 23)

Location: Steam Boat Cove south of Lake Havasu. The report is between Steamboat Cove and Havasu Palms.

What we know: The fire was at the Havasu Palms RV park. BLM will be an assisting agency but the fire is not on BLM-managed land. The fire started in a yard with aluminum cans, metal framework and other debris, the Havasu News-Herald reported. The yard is across the Colorado River in Needles, California.

Road closure: The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reported that evacuations have been lifted and no roads are closed.

Start date: June 23

Cause: Possible spark from an automobile ignited dry brush.

Acreage: Unknown

Containment: 80%

Foote Fire

(Last updated June 25)

Location: The fire edge was 12 miles south of Alpine, one mile east of the Josh Ranch, and approximately three miles east of Blue, Arizona. The fire now has consumed nearly 5,000 acres in a remote area.

What we know: The public could expect to see smoke. There were no evacuations so far. The wildfire continued to burn in remote terrain in the Blue Range Primitive Area, consuming dead and down fuels with low to moderate intensity. Fire growth was moderate with overnight spread to the northwest and southeast. Fire managers expected occasional torching and small fire runs when the fire reached pockets of heavier fuel loading. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests were in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Residents should expect Stage 2 restrictions by the weekend.

"Although there are no foreseeable evacuations, communities should always be aware of the hazards that can threaten their community," an Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests spokesperson wrote in an email. "This is known as the 'ready' stage in the Ready-Set-Go program, which provides guidance on the different stages of emergency preparedness."

All areas within proximity of the fire may be impacted by smoke, depending on wind directions and ventilation. Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community.

Road closure: There was a potential for a U.S. Highway 191 closure in the coming days to provide for the safety of the crews working along the highway edge, as well as for public safety due to smoke impacts along the highway.

Start date: 2:14 p.m. June 14.

Cause: Lightning/natural

Acreage: 4,981

Containment: 0%

Peacock Fire

(Last updated June 17)

Location: 20 miles northeast of Kingman in the Peacock Mountains

What we know: The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management posted its most recent update about the fire on X June 12 and said it would be the final update "unless fire activity changes significantly." As of June 12, the fire was 90% contained with no change in acreage at 255 acres. One structure was destroyed even with structure protection from crews and a notification was made to the sheriff's office, the X post says.

Start date: About noon on June 10

Cause: Unknown

Acreage: 255

Containment: 90%

Bravo Fire

(Last updated June 10)

Location: Nine miles west of Flagstaff.

What we know: Forward progression of the Bravo Fire has been stopped, but possible evacuations in several communities remain in place. The fire was burning near Camp Navajo south of I-40 about 9 miles west of Flagstaff. The communities of Bellemont North, Bellemont South, Village North and A-1 Ranch were placed in "ready" status, instructing residents to be ready to evacuate and aware of updates on the fire.

Since June 11, management of the fire has been transferred over to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, or DFFM.

Start date: About 11 a.m. June 6

Cause: Unknown

Acreage: 960

Containment: 82%

Cottonwood Fire

(Last updated June 6)

Location: Off State Route 87 and near Mile Marker 231 and State Route 188.

What we know: Firefighters stopped progression of the brush fire. Six engines, one Interagency Hotshot Crew and the Tonto Basin Fire Department responded. The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety temporarily closed the inside lane of SR 87 northbound. The cause of the fire remained unknown.

Acreage: 6.4 acres

Start date: About 9:40 a.m. June 5

Containment: Unknown

Catahoula Fire

(Last updated June 6)

Location: One mile north of Four Peaks Road off State Route 87.

What we know: The Catahoula Fire was discovered on June 3. The northbound lanes of State Route 87 were temporarily closed for about three hours while firefighters and aviation firefighters using large tankers battled the Catahoula Fire. The fire was listed as 10% contained as of June 3.

Acreage: 120 acres

Start date: About 11 a.m. June 3

Containment: 50%

Bear Fire

(Last updated June 18)

Location: Five miles southwest of Cibecue.

What we know: A large portion of the fire is now contained.

Start Date: June 8

Cause: Undetermined.

Acreage: 447 acres

Containment: 81%

Toyo Fire

(Last updated May 16)

Location: On the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Graham County near Peridot

What we know: Fire crews made "significant progress" on May 13 as they worked to secure the fire's perimeter. Officials ask neighboring residents to remain vigilant as wind speeds pick up, but previous evacuation warnings are lifted. The fire is believed to be human-caused. Local units have taken back control of managing the fire and were not expected to make another update unless "significant activity" occurred.

Acreage: 1,778 acres

Start date: Reported shortly before 11 a.m. on May 10

Containment: 90%

Peak Fire

(Last updated May 13)

Location: Northeast of Phoenix in Tonto National Forest, 3 miles east of State Route 87 on Forest Road 143, also known as Four Peaks Road

What we know: Tonto National Forest posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that fire crews made “significant progress in securing the fire line” on May 12, which raised containment from 0% to 48%. Forest officials asked the public to avoid the area for firefighters’ safety. 

Acreage: 360 acres

Start date: Reported around 4 p.m. on May 11

Containment: 48%

Fires with significant containment

• Lockett Fire: 2,782 acres (100% containment as of July 11).
• Rose Fire: 166 acres (100% containment as of June 19).
• Adams Fire: 5,029 acres (100% containment as of June 10).
• Spring Fire: 4,097 acres (100% containment as of June 5).
• Simmons Fire: 351 acres (100% containment as of June 1).
• Dotbug Fire: 149 acres (100% containment as of May 24).
• Pinebrooke Fire: 8 acres (100% containment as of May 23).
• Peg Leg Fire: 968 acres (100% containment as of May 24).
• Basin Fire: 14,023 acres (95% containment, estimated to be 100% contained on July 31).
• Wildcat Fire: 14,402 acres (100% containment as of June 3).
• Reay Fire: 700 acres
• Beehive Fire: 77 acres (100% containment).
• Horse Fire: 512 acres (100% containment as of May 31).
• Flying Bucket Fire: 2,795 acres (100% containment as of May 6).
• Sugar Fire: 302 acres (100% containment as of May 6).
• Barnes Fire: 315 acres (100% containment).
• Bowers Fire: 28 acres (100% containment as of April 25).
• Allens Fire: 45 acres (100% containment as of April 4).
• Range Fire: 2,000 acres (100% containment).
• Refuge Fire: 1,041 acres (100% containment as of July 10).
• Boulder View Fire: 3,711 acres (99% containment, estimated 100% containment as of July 18).
• Shake Fire: 53 acres (100% containment).
• Golden Fire: 831 acres (100% containment).
• Butte Fire: 117 acres (100% containment as of July 12).
• Lonestar Fire: 258 acres (100% containment).
• Shake Fire: 53 acres (100% containment as of July 11).
• Ray Fire: 64 acres (100% containment as of July 11).
• Weimer Fire: 1,066 acres (80% containment as of July 8).
• Golden Fire: 831 acres (100% containment as of July 4).
• Gunsight Fire: 209 acres (100% containment as of July 3).
• Hillside Fire: 818 acres (100% containment).
• Needles Fire: 70 acres (100% containment as of June 26).
• Ghost Fire: 88 acres (100% containment as of June 23).
• Perry Tank Fire: 217 acres (100% containment as of July 16).
• Garner Fire: 8.6 acres (100% containment).
• Riverside Fire: 178 acres (100% containment).
• Sourdough Fire: 715 acres (100% containment).
• Painted Fire: 104 acres (100% containment).
• Wolf Fire: 9,896 acres (100% containment).
• Greene Fire: 9 acres (100% containment).
• Watch Fire: 2,162 acres (100% containment as of July 16).
• Freeman Fire: 32,568 acres (100% containment as of July 18).
• Waterman Fire: 3,059 acres (100 containment as of July 31).