Fire in Gila County expands; crews report a small decrease in containment

Fire Continues to Spread in Tonto National Forest

Young, Arizona – Gila County officials report that the Billy Fire is expanding as firefighters struggle to contain the flames in Tonto National Forest, located about 60 miles east of Payson.

On Sunday morning, Wildland officials declared an evacuation for Ellison Ranch. Previously, Murphy Ranch had been ordered to evacuate. Currently, no other areas are under evacuation orders.

The U.S. Forest Service has announced a community meeting set for Monday at 4 PM at the Pleasant Valley Community Center.

Meanwhile, firefighters are focusing their efforts in the Rose Creek area throughout the day and will deploy night shifts to better manage the flames during the cooler overnight hours. The fire department noted that the Aztec observation deck remains unaffected after the fire passed through the area.

Five firefighters were hospitalized after an incident along Forest Service Road 487 on Friday. Firefighters reported they were taken to the hospital but later discharged the same evening.

The fire, which began from lightning on July 9 and has burned 8,869 acres about 15 miles south of Young, is currently 22% contained, down from 27% reported on Friday. As of Sunday morning, Elk Camp, Trucka Ranch, Circle Ranch, Johnson Ranch, and Cook Ranch are on pre-set status.

A robust response includes three helicopters, nine crew members, nine medical team members, 25 fire engines, six water tenders, and one bulldozer, with over 445 firefighters battling the blaze.

Initially, the fire was 65% contained on Tuesday, but officials reported that containment was lost due to the extreme heat and strong winds.

Officials warned that the fire’s location presents a significant risk to crews given its steep, rocky, and remote terrain. There are numerous obstacles due to remnants of the Juniper Fire in 2016, and crews must be cautious of hazardous materials from past mining activities.

Additionally, the Pueblo Canyon fire is moving toward the community, prompting firefighters to implement protective measures for structures while conducting controlled burns to halt the flames’ advance.