Arizona Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arizona - May 11, 2026

Overview

Arizona is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk typical of the peak pre-monsoon season. The state is facing a combination of high temperatures, critically low humidity, and gusty southwest winds. An abundance of dry fine fuels, such as grasses and desert brush that cured over the spring, has created highly receptive conditions for wildfire ignitions across the region. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 2, indicating that while national resources are adequate, regional and state resources are actively engaged in initial attacks and heightened preparedness measures.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, wildland fire activity in Arizona has seen an uptick in new initial attack incidents, primarily driven by human causes and isolated dry lightning strikes. Firefighters are aggressively working to contain these new starts while maintaining readiness for anticipated extreme fire weather conditions. The potential for new significant wildfires to start and spread rapidly is above normal for this time of year.

Key Fires:

• Copper Fire: Located northeast of Globe, AZ, this fire started on May 2, 2026, and is currently the largest active fire in the state, estimated at 2,450 acres with 45% containment.
• Hazen Fire (AFM - Hazen): Burning near Buckeye in Maricopa County, this human-caused fire started on May 2, 2026, and has burned 1,191 acres. It is currently 78% contained. The fire is fueled by thick vegetation in the Gila River bottom, particularly grass, brush, and salt cedar—an invasive species that burns hot and fast. Firefighters have utilized controlled burns along the eastern flank to slow the spread, and local utility crews are working to repair damaged power lines in the area.
• Twin Fire: Located southwest of Williams, this incident began as a 900-acre prescribed burn that escaped its containment lines due to shifting winds and transitioned into a wildfire. It is currently estimated at over 950 acres. A Type 1 incident management team has been ordered, along with air tankers from California to help slow the fire's spread.
• Horseshoe Fire: A recent start located near Carefree, AZ, which began on May 7, 2026, and has burned approximately 239 acres.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Coconino National Forest is planning to conduct the Upper Beaver Creek prescribed burn project north of the Clints Well area, south of Happy Jack, beginning May 12 through May 15. This 11,000-acre broadcast burn aims to reduce the risk of stand-replacing wildfires and create a more resilient forest. Burn managers will closely monitor wind conditions and halt ignitions if weather parameters exceed safe prescriptions.

Air Quality: Smoke from the Hazen Fire has blown into the Valley, combining with wind and low cloud cover to spread fine particulate matter. Additionally, smoke from ongoing prescribed burns and localized wildfires may settle into valleys overnight and during the early morning hours due to temperature inversions. Communities near Flagstaff, Williams, the Verde Valley, and the Globe area may experience moderate air quality impacts over the next 72 hours.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Temperatures are warming up rapidly across the state, with some areas approaching 100 degrees. The region is facing critically low humidity and gusty southwest winds, creating a highly volatile environment for fire spread.
Forecasted Weather: Red flag warnings are in effect for much of the state, particularly the eastern and central regions, due to strong winds and critically low relative humidity. Forecasts indicate southwest winds at 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 50 mph, and minimum relative humidity dropping as low as 8 to 11 percent. These conditions, combined with dry vegetation, will lead to widespread hazardous fire weather conditions over the coming days.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. With the current red flag conditions, the public is urged to limit or restrict all activities that may generate a spark, avoid creating open flames, and keep vehicles off dry grass. It is crucial to follow all fire restrictions that may be in effect and to have an emergency evacuation plan ready.
Resource Allocation: While national resources remain adequate at Preparedness Level 2, regional and state resources are actively engaged in initial attacks. Agencies are utilizing aircraft, including helicopters and air tankers from neighboring states, to assist ground crews in slowing fire spread and protecting local communities and infrastructure.

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.