Lightning Sparks 2,500 Acre Wildfire in Cochise County

Phoenix, AZ (7/25/18) – Firefighters are working to contain the Bruno Fire that is threatening a ranch, and at one point, multiple communication towers in southern Cochise County.

This morning, firefighters worked quickly to mitigate fuels with burnout operations around the Beacon Hill Communication Site where multiple communication towers are located. Their prep work helped to significantly reduce the threat to the towers.

Engine crews are also providing structure to a ranch roughly one-quarter of a mile away from the fire.

The fire is moving through difficult and rocky terrain, within grasses and brush. It continues to show high fire activity, especially on the northeastern side, despite the rain the fire received yesterday.

Crews are working against hot temperatures and preparing for another round of lightning strikes in the area.

Roughly 150 fire personnel are assigned to the 2,500-acre fire, including the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, federal and local cooperators. Aircraft is also being utilized to help with reconnaissance and suppression efforts.

The lightning-sparked Bruno Fire started yesterday morning 15 miles northeast of Douglas. The fire is burning east of the Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge and just south of the Pedregosa Mountains.

For more information, contact Public Affairs Officer Tiffany Davila at (602) 540-1036 or [email protected].