Sycamore

Sycamore Fire Report - July 02, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The lightning-caused Sycamore Fire was discovered on June 15, 2026, and officially reported on June 16, 2026. It ignited in a remote area of the Tonto National Forest, approximately 15 miles north of Globe in Gila County, Arizona, roughly 2.1 miles west of Steer Mountain.
Size and Containment: As of July 2, 2026, the fire has burned 11,939 acres and is currently 84% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been burning through grass, chaparral, and brush in rugged, remote terrain with poor access, including steep cliffs, canyons, and abandoned mines. While the fire experienced significant initial growth due to dry vegetation and strong winds, growth has been minimal over the last 72 hours. Firefighters have successfully held containment lines despite gusty winds and low humidity.
Containment Efforts: Fire managers are implementing a full suppression strategy using direct extinguishment and indirect confinement tactics. Over the past 72 hours, crews have focused on holding and patrolling the perimeter, extinguishing remaining interior hotspots, and conducting mop-up operations. Suppression repair is underway, with road graders actively working along Forest Service Road 303. Recent reports indicate that nearly 385 personnel have been assigned to the incident, utilizing engines, water tenders, helicopters, and heavy equipment.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Sycamore Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: The previous "SET" status (Level 2 Evacuation Warning) for nearby areas, including Haystack Ranch, Griffin Ranch, and M-K Ranch, has been successfully lifted due to containment progress.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: With evacuation warnings lifted, no emergency shelters are currently active for this incident. Residents should continue to monitor local alerts for any sudden changes.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• The Tonto National Forest has issued an emergency public safety closure for a section of forest land in the fire area, effective until July 17, 2026.
• The closure boundary starts at the intersection of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 219 and NFSR 220, continuing north on NFSR 219 to Mud Springs Wash, along the Salt River to NFSR 303A, south to NFSR 303, and continuing south to Highway 60. It runs along the northern edge of Highway 60 southwest to NFSR 584, to Negro Wash, and back to NFSR 220.
• Highway 60 remains open, but motorists should be cautious of fire equipment and potential smoke in the area.

For more information, visit:

• Tonto National Forest Official Website
• Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN)
• Gila County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Sycamore Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been damaged or destroyed. Firefighters successfully defended values at risk, including structural preparation and defense at Haystack Ranch.
School and Business Closures: There are no reported school or business closures due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire has temporarily restricted recreational access to significant portions of the Tonto National Forest and the Salt River Canyon area due to emergency safety closures.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Stage 2 fire restrictions and emergency shooting restrictions are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest due to elevated wildfire conditions.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire is dispersing to the northeast. Light to moderate smoke impacts are possible along Highway 60 north of Globe and further downstream toward the Fort Apache Reservation. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) advises residents in the smoke path to keep windows closed and limit outdoor exposure.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment reaching 84%, the fire is considered relatively stable. Fire officials expect no new perimeter growth as interior smoldering continues. Crews will remain on the scene to patrol lines, extinguish any remaining interior hotspots, and complete suppression repair work over the coming days.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Critical fire weather continues to challenge the region. High temperatures are reaching the upper 80s to lower 90s, with relative humidity dropping into the lower teens. Southwest winds are expected to gust between 25 and 30 mph throughout the day. While Red Flag Warnings have recently expired for the immediate area, the hot, dry, and breezy conditions require ongoing vigilance.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Sycamore Fire was caused by a lightning strike on June 15, 2026.
Weather and Climate: Extreme fire weather played a major role in the fire's initial explosive growth. The combination of high temperatures, critically low humidity, and persistent strong southwest winds exacerbated the fire's spread through the rugged terrain. Broader climate factors, including a dry, hot summer and decreased precipitation, have thoroughly dried out local vegetation (grass, chaparral, and brush), turning it into highly combustible fuel that allows lightning strikes to easily ignite and spread.

For more information, visit:

• Tonto National Forest Official Website
• Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN)
• Gila County Emergency Management