PHOENIX — Crews have been battling the Bryce Fire burning in eastern Arizona since Wednesday, and evacuations could be on the horizon, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
By Saturday morning, the fire between Fort Thomas and Pima near US 70 and the Gila River had reached 850 acres with 25% containment, and two groups faced potential evacuations.
Homes on the north side of US 70 between Eden Road and Fort Thomas are at READY status, while all homes in the Fort Thomas area’s river corridor are at SET.
The US 70 remains open for now, but officials said it could close intermittently to allow for firefighting efforts.
#BryceFire Update – fire est. 700-800ac. SEATs ineffective – scoopers now engaged. North side of fire remains active – wind driven thru heavy salt cedar w/n Gila River bottom. Dozer working along north flank along with multiple hand crews.
Graham County SO placed some residents… pic.twitter.com/IS0Zz9Ly35
— AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management (@azstateforestry) May 9, 2025
Details around Bryce Fire in eastern Arizona
High winds and rising temperatures into the weekend led the fire to spread quickly after officials stated they had reached 80% containment on a 160-acre fire on Thursday.
With the additional engines, medical teams and more that arrived late Friday night and a hotshot crew expected to arrive Saturday morning, there are more than 175 people assigned to the fire.
A temporary fire restriction is in place to prevent drone flying while air support is on the scene.
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