Contributed article
EDEN — The fire is 29 percent contained as of Tuesday morning, and at 3,137 acres.
While minimal fire activity was observed on the fire Monday, heavy pockets of unburned fuel continue to burn off. Engine crews patrolled the perimeter monitoring the fuel burning off. On the north/northeast side of the fire hotshot crews worked north to south along the fire’s edge improving containment line. On the northwest side of the fire crews monitored and patrolled established containment to make certain lines were holding under the Red Flag conditions.
Another night shift of resources is tasked with checking line to ensure it’s secure and will re-engage with the tedious task of mop up. Engines will be patrolling across the perimeter checking for any lingering heat that may remain along the north/northeast flank of the fire.
Monday at 5pm, the Graham County Office of Emergency Management has lifted the SET for residents impacted by the fire. All residents are back in READY status. Due to public and firefighter safety, Bryce-Eden Road along with River Road at the US 70 remain closed.
Another Red Flag Warning is forecast for Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Southeastern Arizona including Graham County and the Bryce Fire. High winds and low relative humidity levels reflect critical fire weather. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are forecast for Tuesday.
Stage 2 restrictions now in place in southeastern Arizona on state, federal, and some tribal lands. For the Department of Forestry and Fire Management the restrictions include State Trust land within Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz Counties.
The fire continues to produce extreme fire behavior with long-range spotting and made a six-mile push on Friday. Some infrastructure including power and gas lines were damaged in the fire. There have been no reports of any damaged or destroyed structures. On Thursday night, operations reported the fire 80 percent contained at 160 acres. Friday morning, high winds spotted the fire over a 25-30 feet wide containment line along the north side.
Editor’s note: This story was edited at 10:59 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with the updated acreage.
