Billy
ACRES BURNED
0
STATE
Arizona
ORIGIN COUNTY
Coconinocontainment
N/A
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35.0475953755699, -111.304500994324
{B7448765-F8B5-431B-8055-374335E11912}
2024-10-15
TIMELINE
0 days
October 15
Detected
October 15
LAST UPDATED
Incident Data
CAUSE
Undetermined
Response
Lead Protecting AGENCY
USFS
DISPATCH CENTER
Flagstaff Interagency Dispatch CenterPROPERTY OWNERSHIP
Federal
(USFS)
WEATHER
Nearby Air Quality
AQI
*
35.0475953755699, -111.304500994324
* mph • *
forecast
From the Web
External data is not official
This information is compiled automatically, and is not confirmed by a human reviewer.
2025-07-29 00:32:54.502396-04:00
## Billy Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Billy Fire was discovered on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, around 12:16 PM PDT. It is located 15 miles south of Young, Arizona, on Center Mountain, on the east side of the Sierra Ancha Mountains within the Tonto National Forest. **Size and Containment**: As of July 28, 2025, the Billy Fire has burned over 55,000 acres and is 13% contained. However, other reports from July 25, 2025, indicate the fire was 2,124 acres with 62% containment, and later on July 24, 2025, it was reported at 2,124 acres and 40% contained. The discrepancies in acreage and containment suggest a dynamic situation or differing reporting periods. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is fueled by brush (up to 2 feet in height), woody debris, and timber, including mixed conifer, aspen regeneration, and ponderosa pine. On July 28, 2025, extreme fire behavior was observed, with pyrocumulus columns reaching heights of 24,000 feet. Spot fires were confirmed in North Canyon, and significant growth of 3 to 4 miles to the north was noted, particularly on the western flanks. This growth was attributed to continued southwest winds and critically dry conditions. Fire activity has been described as minimal, with smoldering and creeping, especially in heavier fuels like large logs and stumps. **Containment Efforts**: Firefighters are employing a full suppression strategy. Containment efforts include patrolling and holding containment lines, chipping operations to reduce fuel and protect watershed health, and suppression repair work. Resources assigned include numerous engines, helicopters, hotshot crews, hand crews, and a Wildland Fire Module. The incident is managed by Benjamin Stewart, ICT3 Type 3 Team, and command is expected to return to the Tonto National Forest on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Evacuation Orders/Warnings**: No evacuation orders or warnings have been reported for the Billy Fire. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** Specific road closures directly related to the Billy Fire are not detailed in the provided information. However, general fire restrictions are in place across Arizona. **For more information, visit:** * **InciWeb (Dragon Bravo Fire):** While not directly for the Billy Fire, InciWeb is a primary source for wildfire information: [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/azgcp-dragon-bravo-fire](https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/azgcp-dragon-bravo-fire) * **Tonto National Forest Facebook:** For updates on fires within the Tonto National Forest: [https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest](https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest) * **Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN):** For broader emergency updates in Arizona: [https://azein.gov/](https://azein.gov/) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Structures Impacted**: No specific information is available regarding structures impacted by the Billy Fire. **Injuries and Fatalities**: No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the Billy Fire. **School and Business Closures**: No school or business closures have been reported due to the Billy Fire. **Notable Impacts**: The fire is located in a remote, steep, and rocky terrain with an abundance of snags from the 2016 Juniper Fire, posing safety concerns for firefighters. The area also has a history of mining operations, necessitating awareness of potential hazardous materials. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages**: No power outages have been reported in relation to the Billy Fire. **Water Safety**: No water safety concerns have been reported. **Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions**: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place on the Tonto National Forest, prohibiting campfires, smoking, welding, and the discharging of firearms. Only propane devices are permitted. This includes prohibitions on building, maintaining, attending, or using any fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except for devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG that can be turned on and off, and only in cleared areas. **Air Quality**: Smoke from the fire may affect local air quality. Residents should monitor air quality advisories. **Other Health Risks**: The remote and rugged terrain presents significant safety challenges for firefighters, including long medical extraction times. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: With containment reported between 13% and 62% in various reports over the last few days, efforts are ongoing to fully contain the fire. Firefighters will continue to patrol containment lines, conduct chipping operations, and perform suppression repair. No growth is anticipated, with the fire expected to continue smoldering, especially in heavier fuels. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: Arizona is experiencing dry and warm conditions with no significant moisture expected until mid-week. Temperatures are in the low to mid-80s with relative humidity between 11-13% and breezy winds with gusts up to 22 mph. Very dry air and poor overnight humidity recovery are persisting across much of Arizona, contributing to high fire potential. Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible in southeastern Arizona. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The Billy Fire was caused by lightning. **Weather and Climate**: The fire's behavior is significantly influenced by the current weather patterns, characterized by dry and warm conditions, low humidity, and breezy winds. The persistence of dry fuels and poor overnight humidity recovery across the region creates a high potential for wildfire activity. The dry monsoon season, which typically brings increased moisture, has not yet significantly reduced fire activity. ### For more information, visit:** * **InciWeb (Dragon Bravo Fire):** [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/azgcp-dragon-bravo-fire](https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/azgcp-dragon-bravo-fire) * **Tonto National Forest:** [https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto](https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto) * **Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management:** [https://dffm.az.gov/](https://dffm.az.gov/)