Arizona Fires

## Daily Wildfire Report for Arizona - July 28, 2025

### Overview
Arizona is currently facing a heightened wildfire risk due to persistent dry conditions, with forecasts indicating a continuation of warm and dry weather patterns. The state's wildfire outlook for the coming season has been described as "intense" by officials, with concerns about increased fuel loading in several areas, particularly south of the Mogollon Rim, within the Tonto National Forest, and across the Sonoran Desert landscapes.

### Current Situation
**Fire Activity:** Over the past 72 hours, Arizona has seen significant wildland fire activity. The Dragon Bravo Fire, located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, has been particularly active, with fire behavior intensifying due to dry air and gusty winds. The White Sage Fire, near Fredonia, continues to be a major incident, though it is nearing containment. The Draw Fire, south of Big Lake, is also active and presents challenges due to steep terrain and snags.

**Key Fires:**

* **Dragon Bravo Fire:** Located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, this fire has burned over 35,000 acres and is currently at 26% containment. Fire activity has increased due to record dry air and gusty winds, pushing the fire north and intensifying behavior on the western flank. The North Rim and State Route 67 remain closed through the end of the season. Fuels contributing to the fire's spread include dry grass and brush.

* **White Sage Fire:** Situated near Fredonia in the Kaibab National Forest and on Bureau of Land Management lands, this fire has burned nearly 59,000 acres and is at 81% containment. While Highway 89A has reopened, Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake remains closed.

* **Draw Fire:** Burning south of Big Lake, this fire is being managed with full suppression tactics. It is located within the Wallow fire footprint and is characterized by steep terrain and an abundance of snags, which are hindering access and contributing to its complexity.

**Prescribed Burns and Land Management:**
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) manages a Smoke Management Program that evaluates smoke dispersion potential for prescribed fires and wildfires, approves daily prescribed burn activity, and shares details about approved burns on its website. Prescribed burning is considered a necessary tool to help prevent catastrophic wildfires by removing dry debris that collects on the ground. Information on approved prescribed burns can be found on the ADEQ website.

### Weather and Wind Warnings
**Current Weather:** Current weather conditions across Arizona include sunny skies with low humidity in many areas. Scattered showers and humidity are present in northern Arizona, which can aid firefighting efforts.

**Forecasted Weather:** A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for portions of east central and northeast Arizona, with conditions possible that could lead to extreme fire behavior. Southwest winds are expected to be between 20 to 30 mph. While some areas may see a chance of rain early in the week, a strong drying trend is expected, with warmer and drier conditions anticipated, potentially increasing fire behavior.

### Recommendations
Residents are advised to stay informed about current fire restrictions and to take preventative measures to reduce wildfire risk. This includes clearing dead brush from properties and ensuring vehicle chains are secure to prevent sparks. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place.

### Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
* **Arizona Emergency Information Network:** [wildlandfire.az.gov](https://wildlandfire.az.gov/aggregator/sources/1)
* **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn](https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn)
* **Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management:** [fire.az.gov](https://fire.az.gov/)
* **ADEQ Smoke Management Program:** [azdeq.gov/environmental-=("ADEQ Smoke Management Program"")](https://azdeq.gov/environmental-=(""ADEQ Smoke Management Program""))

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