Stronghold wildfire grows to 2,000 acres in windy conditions as locals urged to evacuate

A huge wildfire in has burned 2,000 acres and emergency services have now urge locals to evacuate their homes.

The Stronghold Fire, which started near Sunsites-Pearce, about 16 miles south of Cochise at around 11:30am, has continued to burn through the night. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office told multiple homes in the Sunsites-Pearce area to evacuate.

Those told to flee their homes include residents on west of Cochise Stronghold Road, south of Ironwood Road, to include Stronghold Canyon area campgrounds and trailheads.

Other residents that are on standby to evacuate are located east of Cochise Stronghold Road, west of Desert Road, south of Eastland Road and north of Pearce Road.

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According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the fire burned aggressively most of the day because of windy and dry grass and brush. The flames have moved into the Dragoons and the Coronado National Forest on the west and south sides. The winds continue to shift directions, which is challenging fire crews.

A spokesperson for Arizona Department for Forestry and Fire Management shared an update on X which read: "The is now estimated at 2k ac. w/no containment to report. The fire has pushed into the Dragoons & on west & south sides.

Ground resources remain engaged w/add'l resources on order for Tuesday morning. Aircraft worked the south flank of fire most of the afternoon, but had to be grounded due to high winds. Aircraft remains on standby or tomorrow. 246 personnel assigned."

Cochise Stronghold is located to the west of Sunsites, Arizona in the Dragoon Mountains at an elevation of 5,000 ft.

The woodland area lies in a protective rampart of granite domes and sheer cliffs. Located within the Coronado National Forest, it is managed by the Douglas Ranger District.

said on Facebook: "Our deepest appreciation to all of the personnel who are fighting for our citizens and keeping us safe!"

Stronghold Canyon-area campgrounds and trailheads rermain closed and an investigation is underway into how the wildfire started.

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