Sycamore

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Sycamore Fire was discovered on the afternoon of Monday, June 15, 2026, and reported widely on June 16. It is burning in the Tonto National Forest, north of the Globe area and west of US 60 in Gila County, Arizona. Specifically, it is located between the Storm and Grapevine canyons in the Globe Ranger District.
Size and Containment: As of June 19, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 3,341 acres and remains at 0% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning primarily in short grass, chaparral, and brush. Driven by gusty outflow winds from passing thunderstorms, the fire has exhibited active, uphill runs and is advancing in a north and northeast direction.
Containment Efforts: Command of the fire has been transitioned to a Type 3 Incident Command Team. Firefighters are utilizing a full-suppression strategy, combining direct extinguishment and indirect confinement methods. Ground and air resources deployed include Type 3 and Type 6 engines, Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC), Type 2 Initial Attack Crews, a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT), and Type 1 Helicopters.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Currently, there are no mandatory evacuation orders in place. Forest officials have confirmed that no communities or infrastructure are immediately threatened by the fire.
Evacuation Warnings: While there are no formal warnings, crews are closely monitoring private land within the forest for potential spread. Residents in Gila County are encouraged to remain in "Ready" status as part of the Ready, Set, Go! program.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No shelters have been opened at this time since evacuations have not been ordered.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Tonto National Forest Closure: The U.S. Forest Service has implemented a Sycamore Fire Emergency Closure Order (Order #03-12-02-26-15) for a section of the forest and the Salt River Canyon. This closure is in effect from June 17 through at least July 17, 2026, to ensure public and firefighter safety.
• Roadways: Major roadways, including US 60, remain open. However, visitors and residents are advised to use extreme caution due to the presence of firefighting equipment and personnel in the area.

For more information on evacuations and road closures, visit:

• Gila County Emergency Management
• Tonto National Forest Alerts & Notices
• Arizona Department of Transportation (AZ511)

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Sycamore Fire.
Structures Impacted: To date, no homes, commercial structures, or key infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No schools or major businesses have been forced to close due to the fire.
Notable Impacts: The primary impact is on recreational access within the Tonto National Forest, specifically the closure of trails and public lands around the Salt River Canyon area.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this incident.
Water Safety: There are currently no water quality advisories in effect.
Burn Bans: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been strictly enforced across the entire Tonto National Forest since May due to elevated wildfire conditions. This restricts campfires, outdoor smoking, and other activities that could spark a new fire.
Air Quality: Smoke will be visible in the surrounding areas, including Globe, for many days. Residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly, are advised to monitor air quality, limit outdoor activities, and keep windows closed if smoke settles into the valleys overnight.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters anticipate a challenging containment process over the coming days. The 0% containment reflects the rugged terrain and the erratic wind conditions that make direct engagement difficult. Crews will continue to build containment lines and utilize aviation resources to slow the fire's forward progress.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The region is experiencing hot and dry conditions, with temperatures in the low 100s and relative humidity dropping into the low teens. Winds are sustained at 10–20 mph. The National Weather Service has noted the potential for isolated thunderstorms in the area; while these may bring spotty rainfall, they also pose a significant risk of producing erratic, gusty outflow winds that can dangerously accelerate fire spread.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Sycamore Fire was sparked by lightning.
Weather and Climate: Extreme fire weather is playing a critical role in the behavior of this fire. The combination of triple-digit heat, critically low humidity, and dry vegetation has created highly volatile fuels. On a broader scale, the Southwest is facing a severe fire season exacerbated by climate factors, including decreased precipitation, early snowmelt, and a dry monsoon pattern, which rapidly dries out vegetation and primes the landscape for large-scale wildfires.

For more information, visit:

• InciWeb - National Wildfire Coordinating Group
• Tonto National Forest Official Website
• Arizona Emergency Information Network (AZEIN)