COCHISE STRONGHOLD — The Stronghold fire in northern Cochise County reduced slightly overnight, and is at 22-percent containment.
The fire is at 2,138 acres, and the eastern flank is the most active as it burns through grass and brush in Grapevine Canyon.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office has designated multiple homes in the Sunsites-Pearce area to either evacuate or be ready to leave.
West of Cochise Stronghold Road, and south of Ironwood Road including Stronghold Canyon area campgrounds and trailheads are under “Go” orders to evacuate.
Those under “Set” orders, who should be prepared to evacuate if the order is issued, include homes west of Desert Road, east of Cochise Stronghold Road, north of Middle March Road, south of West Eastland Street, east of Cochise Stronghold Road, west of Desert Road, south of Eastland Road and north of Pearce Road.
The homes that should prepare for a possible evacuation order and are in “Ready” status are located east of Desert Road, west of North Willcox Road, north of Middle March Road and south of West Eastland Street.
– Contributed Graphic/CCSO
Assigned to fight the fire are 240 personnel, four Hotshot crews, four state Type 2 hand crews, 12 engines, and six water tenders.
The fire started at approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday, near Sunsites-Pearce and 16 miles south of Cochise. One outbuilding has been destroyed and cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Cochise County is also dealing with a second wildfire near the southern border.
The Mason fire was first reported just after 9 a.m. Wednesday, southwest of Old Bisbee. The fire is currently at 36 acres with 0-percent containment.
The fire has forced the closure of U.S. Highway 80, with vehicles detoured through Tombstone Canyon.
Cochise County Sheriff’s Office issued “Set” orders for homes in Old Bisbee, between West Boulevard and Art Avenue.
Assigned to fight the fire are two state crews and engines, working in tandem with single engine air tankers and one large air tanker.
