SAFFORD — The Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest is tracking a wildfire that started just before 2 p.m. Thursday.
The Homestead fire, south of State Route 266 near the O Bar O Ranch, is currently at about 300 acres and 0-percent contained.
While cause of the fire is undetermined at this time, it’s believed that three smaller fires merged to create the larger Homestead fire.
Currently, two helicopters are conducting bucket drops on the area, while very large and large air tankers drop retardant. Meanwhile hotshot ground crews are creating fire lines to protect values at risk, which include the ranch and a powerline.
The weather forecast calls for an excessive heat warning through the weekend, with temperatures around 110. There’s also a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms.
