Arizona Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arizona - August 21, 2026

Overview

Arizona is currently in the midst of its monsoon season, which historically runs through the end of September. Despite initial warnings of a highly active fire season for the Southwest, proactive outreach, education, and rapid response have kept the state's fire activity relatively mild compared to the national average. To date, Arizona has seen over 1,380 fires burning approximately 60,700 acres, contributing to less than 1% of the nationwide acreage total this year. However, officials warn that Arizona's fire season is year-round, and the ongoing extreme heat and lightning threats mean the risk of new starts remains present.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently a few active fires across the state, mostly small in size and being managed effectively by local, state, and federal agencies. Firefighters are actively mopping up recent lightning-caused starts while remaining prepared for new incidents triggered by monsoon thunderstorms.

Key Fires:

• Butte Fire: Located 20 miles southwest of San Carlos in Gila County, this natural-caused fire has burned 670 acres. It is currently 100% contained and in a monitor status. Fire behavior has been minimal, characterized by smoldering and backing through 2.5-foot tall grass.
• Bluebird Fire: Started on August 19, this fire has burned approximately 299 acres and remains active. Crews are working to establish containment lines and monitor its spread.
• Bravo Fire (Camp Navajo Fire): Reported on August 18, this lightning-caused fire is located 9 miles west of Flagstaff on Camp Navajo. It has burned an estimated 100 to 200 acres with a moderate rate of spread. The fire is burning in timber and grass fuels. Multiple agencies, including the Camp Navajo Fire Department, Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, and the Arizona National Guard, are on the scene with dozers actively cutting control lines.
• Hart and Turkey Fires: Located near Sedona, these smaller fires (13 acres and 10 acres, respectively) are smoldering atop rugged, inaccessible cliff areas. Firefighters are monitoring them, and they are not expected to grow significantly before monsoon moisture fully extinguishes them.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest's Bradshaw Ranger District are conducting prescribed pile burning on Big Bug Mesa. These hand and machine piles are the result of recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects. Ignitions will continue through August as long as weather conditions remain favorable. Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Fire Management and Coconino National Forest are monitoring ongoing prescribed pile burns to reduce overgrown vegetation and protect local communities from future high-severity wildfires.
Air Quality: Smoke from the prescribed burns on the Bradshaw Ranger District may be visible from Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt. Residents in these areas should be aware of potential light smoke impacts.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through August 21 for multiple counties, including Gila, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, and Yuma, with daytime highs expected to reach up to 114°F. Elevated moisture levels from the monsoon are providing isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, primarily over the high terrain.
Forecasted Weather: A drying trend is expected to work its way into the region starting Friday and continuing into the weekend. Minimum relative humidity levels will drop to 15-25%. While rain chances will lower, temperatures will heat back up to extreme levels. Thunderstorms that do develop carry the risk of gusty, erratic outflow winds and dry lightning, which could spark new fires in dry vegetation and cause blowing dust across the deserts.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours and stay hydrated due to the ongoing Extreme Heat Warnings. With the monsoon season active, be prepared for sudden weather changes, including gusty winds and lightning. Residents near Camp Navajo and Sedona should remain mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts.
Resource Allocation: While national resources are heavily committed elsewhere in the country, Arizona agencies are maintaining a state of readiness. Local resources are effectively managing current incidents and conducting fuel mitigation projects in high-risk wildland-urban interface areas to ensure communities are protected.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Arizona Emergency Information Network: wildlandfire.az.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.