Eden – As of Tuesday morning, the fire was reported to be at 29% containment, covering 3,137 acres.
Fire activity was minimal on Monday, though some areas without fuel continued to burn. Crews have been patrolling the boundaries, monitoring the situation as the team worked to strengthen the containment lines. On the north/northeast side, the hotshot crew was making progress in establishing better control over the fire’s edge. The northwest side was also under strict surveillance, with containment efforts being closely observed under challenging weather conditions.
A night shift team is checking the safety of the lines, which can be quite a tedious task. Engine crews are stationed at the boundary, keeping an eye on areas that might still harbor lingering heat, especially along the fire’s northern edge.
By 5 PM Monday, the Graham County Emergency Management Department had lifted evacuation orders for residents. Everyone is now back in a state of readiness, although Blythe Eden Road and River Road along US 70 remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters.
On Tuesday, another Red Flag warning is expected, effective from 10 AM to 8 PM in southeastern Arizona, which includes Graham County and the Blythe Fire. Weather conditions are concerning, with forecasted wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph and low humidity levels.
Meanwhile, Stage 2 restrictions are currently in effect across southeastern Arizona on various state, federal, and tribal lands. This includes state trust lands in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz counties, as mandated by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The fire has exhibited extreme behavior lately, making significant advances, such as a six-mile spread on Friday. It has caused damage to infrastructure, including electricity and gas lines; however, no structures have been reported as damaged or destroyed. On Thursday night, reports indicated that 80% of the fire had been contained on about 160 acres. Strong winds on Friday revealed the fire had reached a containment line estimated to be 25-30 feet wide on the northern side.
