BYLAS — The Bottom fire, about seven miles west of Bylas, has grown to 4,489 acres, but it’s at 31-percent containment.
The fire was started by lightning June 28, and is burning grass and other fuels in the dry Gila River bed. Moisture from afternoon and evening monsoon storm activity is being evaporated each morning, stalemating firefighting efforts.
Two other small wildfires are burning in Graham County just north of the Bottom fire — the Willow fire has burned 65 acres, and the Saguaro fire has burned three acres. Both fire started June 28, and while the cause of the Willow fire has not yet been determined, the Saguaro fire is believed to be human-caused.
In Greenlee County, the Bear fire, which started June 16, is at 23,868 acres and is 20-percent contained.
Closure of U.S. Highway 191 between Morenci and Blue Vista due to the fire remains in effect.
