COCHISE STRONGHOLD — The Stronghold fire in northern Cochise County has grown to 2,300 acres, and a Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management team has assumed command.
The fire started at approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday, near Sunsites-Pearce and 16 miles south of Cochise. As of Tuesday morning, one outbuilding has been destroyed.
On Tuesday morning, the fire increased in activity on the west and northwest flanks, and as temperatures warm and winds pick up throughout the day — 20-mile-an-hour wind gust are expected — operations expects fire activity to increase.
Evacuations are in place for 25 homes in the area west of Cochise Stronghold and south of Ironwood Road in Sunsites, including the Stronghold Canyon campground and trailheads. About 100 homes in the area east of Cochise Stronghold, south of Eastland, west of Desert and north of Pearce Road are in “Set” status, meaning an evacuation can be ordered at any time conditions change.
– Contributed Graphic/CCSO
Fourteen Type 6 engines, two Type 3 engines, five Interagency Hotshot crews, four State Type 2 crews, and six water tenders are supporting the incident, as well as the 275 personnel previously assigned.
Additional resources were ordered for Tuesday, including more hotshot crews and engines, and air attack is available along with other heavy aircraft if needed.
Cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
