Stronghold Fire update; crews continue work in rugged, steep terrain

The southwest flank of the fire remains a priority as crews work to tie in uncontained line. Hotshot and hand crews are doing extensive and challenging work in the steep and rugged Dragoons. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), or drone, supports those resources along the ridgeline by providing infrared flights to help locate any remaining hotspots. Engines continue to drive along the fire’s perimeter and within the communities to check for any potential smoke or other concerns along the fire’s edge. Overall, fire activity has decreased significantly, and there is no visible smoke to report. The fire is 2,138 acres and is currently 69% contained.

Critical fire weather is expected to move into the area on Sunday. At this time, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for most of southeastern Arizona, including Cochise County and the Stronghold Fire. The Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team will remain in command of the fire through the fire weather event to support the state and/or the Coronado National Forest in case of a new start in the area. On Sunday night, the team plans to transition the fire to the Coronado National Forest as a Type 4 incident.

Some utility infrastructure was damaged during the fire, but repairs are underway and expected to be completed by the end of the day Saturday.

Hotshot and hand crews, along with engines, water tenders, an ambulance, and Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams, remain assigned to the incident.

Evacuations and Closures: Out of public safety, the Coronado National Forest Douglas Ranger District has implemented a Temporary Occupancy and Use Area Order due to the Stronghold Fire: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/alerts/stronghold-fire

Weather: Hot, windy, and dry conditions remain a concern for fire operations. Weather pattern shifts this weekend could bring critical fire weather during a wind event.

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.

Fire details
Start Date: Monday, April 28, 2025 
Cause: Under Investigation
Location: 21 miles east of Benson 
Acres: 2,138 acres
Personnel Assigned: 212 
Containment: 69%

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-stronghold-fire
Twitter: @azstateforestry: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
Facebook: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry
Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go