Note: This page will be updated as we have new information. Latest update will be posted at the top. Check back here regularly. — PRT Staff
Update: 6/19/2023 5:50am
Highway 83 has been reopened to traffic. The fire is about 85% contained, with approximately 3,200 acres burned so far.
Previous status updates via U.S. Forest Service – Coronado National Forest:
Update: 6/18/2023 5:27 PM
Oak Wildfire
Acreage: Approximately 3,213 acres
Containment: 85%
State Date: 6/16/2023
Fuel type: Grass, juniper, and oak
Today, firefighters made progress in securing lines with an increase in containment from 60% to 85%. Throughout the day, crews continued to mop up and secure perimeter lines while contending with red flag conditions.
Type 3 Incident Commander Darrel Howell, anticipates transitioning to a Type 4 Organization under the Incident Commander Bob Airheart, tomorrow morning if the lines are again not tested throughout the night.
No evacuations are in place. HWY 83 remains open.
Update: 6/17/2023 5:34 PM
Oak Wildfire
Road closure in both directions on HWY 83.
Road closed on SR-83 Northbound near Santa Rita Rd (MP 34). Road closed on SR-83 Southbound near E Sahuarita Rd (MP 53).
Type 3 Incident Commander: Darrel Howell, Nogales Ranger District
Acreage: Approximately 3,213 acres
Containment: 60%
State Date: 6/16/2023
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Fuel type: Grass, juniper, and oak
Firefighters plan to reopen HWY 83 at 8:00 PM. Please be aware of extra emergency vehicles on the road.
ADOT Closure Map:
Today was another red flag warning day. Air support was able to performing morning flights, but became grounded around 10:00 AM.
Lines were tested by the fire, but firefighters were able to hold the lines throughout the day. Acreage remains at approximately 3,213 acres.
No evacuations are in place at this time.
All resource remain assigned to the fire.
Update: 6/17/2023 10:53 AM
Oak Wildfire
Road closure in both directions on HWY 83.
Road closed on SR-83 Northbound near Santa Rita Rd (MP 34). Road closed on SR-83 Southbound near E Sahuarita Rd (MP 53).
Type 3 Incident Commander: Darrel Howell, Nogales Ranger District
Acreage: Approximately 3,213 acres
Containment: 60%
State Date: 6/16/2023
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Fuel type: Grass, juniper, and oak
Firefighters were able to complete mapping objectives this morning and are reporting the fire size at approximately 3,213 acres with 60% containment. The fire did cross into BLM and State lands from the U.S. Forest Service – Coronado National Forest.
Today is another red flag warning day for winds in the area. Air support may be grounded this afternoon if the winds do pick up. Firefighters will adjust throughout the day as necessary.
Interior smoke and pockets remain which are being watched with the anticipated afternoon winds. Smoke is expected to be heavy in the area.
HWY 83 is anticipated to be closed until at least 10 PM this evening. Please be sure to find an alternate route. Mop up procedures are taking place along HWY 83 to aid in reopening the road.
No evacuations are in place at this time.
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Update: 6/17/2023 9:02 AM
Oak Wildfire
Road closure in both directions on HWY 83.
Road closed on SR-83 Northbound near Santa Rita Rd (MP 34). Road closed on SR-83 Southbound near E Sahuarita Rd (MP 53).
Type 3 Incident Commander: Darrel Howell, Nogales Ranger District
Acreage: Approximately 5,500 acres
State Date: 6/16/2023
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Fuel type: Grass, juniper, and oak
There was minimal fire activity throughout the night as firefighters worked the line. Crews are continuing to get around the fire for mapping purposes. Initial assessment this morning have held it at approximately 5,500 acres.
Today is another red flag warning day for winds in the area. Air support may be grounded this afternoon if the winds do pick up. Firefighters will adjust throughout the day as necessary.
HWY 83 is anticipated to be closed until at least 10 PM this evening. Please be sure to find an alternate route.
No evacuations are in place at this time.
2 additional crews will be arriving today to help support the 9 engines, 4 crews, and multiple air support that are currently on the scene.
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Update: 6/16/2023 7:41 PM
Oak Wildfire
Road closure in both directions on HWY 83.
Road closed on SR-83 Northbound near Santa Rita Rd (MP 34). Road closed on SR-83 Southbound near E Sahuarita Rd (MP 53).
Type 3 Incident Commander: Darrel Howell, Nogales Ranger District
Acreage: Approximately 5,500 acres
State Date: 6/16/2023
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Fuel type: Grass, juniper, and oak
At around 6:00 PM this evening, the winds began to die down and firefighters were able to make progress on securing containment lines. Firefighters will remain on the scene throughout the evening.
The fire is located near mile marker 43 on HWY 83 on the east side of the road. The highway is currently aiding firefighters by serving as a containment line. HWY 83 will be closed throughout the night and at least through tomorrow morning.
No evacuations are in place at this time.
A special thanks to the Bureau of Land Management Fire, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, Rincon Valley Fire District, Patagonia Fire Dept, and Corona De Tucson Fire District for their assistance today, and as we move into tomorrow. Additional crews will be arriving tomorrow morning to help support the more than 9 engines, 4 crews, and multiple air support that are currently on the scene.
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Update: 6/16/2023 5:28 PM
Oak Wildfire
Road closure in both directions on HWY 83.
Road closed on SR-83 Northbound near Santa Rita Rd (MP 34). Road closed on SR-83 Southbound near E Sahuarita Rd (MP 53).
Acreage: Approximately 400 acres
State Date: 6/16/2023
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Backburning operations are underway. Backburning is a fire suppression technique used in the control of bushfires. A backburn is a fire lit close to the edge of an active bushfire, which burns out the fuel between the bushfire and an established control line.
Air resources are dropping fire retardant to aid in suppression efforts. (Video in comments)
Additional resources are in route. Please continue to avoid the area.
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6/16/2023 2:36 PM
Oak Wildfire
Road closure in both directions on HWY 83.
Road closed on SR-83 Northbound near Santa Rita Rd (MP 34). Road closed on SR-83 Southbound near E Sahuarita Rd (MP 53).
Acreage: Approximately 400 acres
State Date: 6/16/2023
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Coordinated efforts are taking place with the Coronado National Forest, BLM, and local agencies. Air attack is on the scene, but helicopters are unable to fly due to high winds. The fire is currently located within the Coronado National Forest. Incident commanders and firefighters are assessing the values at risk ahead of the fire. Winds are pushing the fire north and east.
ADOT Closure Map: