Staff Reports
BYLAS – Cooler temperatures and increased moisture are aiding firefighting efforts across three lightning-caused wildfires burning in Arizona: the Goodwin Fire, Bronco Fire, and Indian Creek Fire. As of Aug. 14, firefighting crews are making steady progress in containing these fires, bolstered by favorable weather conditions and strategic operations.
Goodwin Fire: Steady progress amid cooler conditions
The Goodwin Fire, located 12 miles southwest of Bylas, Arizona, has burned 1,010 acres since it was sparked by lightning on Aug. 6. Currently at 32% containment, the fire has shown no additional growth over the past day, thanks to cooler temperatures and higher humidity. The fire is burning through short grass, brush, and juniper, with 187 personnel assigned to the effort.
Firefighters are focusing on extinguishing hot spots along the fire’s perimeter and mopping up within the interior to secure containment lines. Road graders have improved access along the southeast side, while Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) equipped with infrared cameras are assisting crews along Tribal Road 64 by identifying heat signatures. With more moisture and possible showers forecast for today, suppression efforts are expected to gain further ground.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the Goodwin Fire area to ensure the safety of firefighting air operations. The public is urged to avoid the area and refrain from flying drones, as they can disrupt critical aerial firefighting efforts. Minimal smoke is present, but those sensitive to smoke can monitor air quality at fire.airnow.gov.
Bronco and Indian Creek Fires: Rain and firefighting boost containment
Further north, the Bronco Fire (18,131 acres, 21% contained) and the Indian Creek Fire (2,379 acres, containment not specified) are also benefiting from recent rainfall and cooler weather. Both fires, located 30 miles northeast of San Carlos and 10 miles southwest of Whiteriver, respectively, were ignited by lightning on Aug. 3 and Aug. 5. A combined total of 850 personnel are working to contain these fires, which are burning through grass, brush, and timber.
Over half an inch of rain fell on both fires, accompanied by gusty winds from thunderstorms. The precipitation has helped slow fire behavior, allowing firefighters to increase containment. On the Indian Creek Fire, crews have secured the northern containment line along Y-2 Road and are now focusing on the east and west flanks. Heavy equipment is being used to construct alternate containment lines northwest of the fire. The Indian Creek Fire has not grown in over 48 hours, with most heat sources confined well within its perimeter.
For the Bronco Fire, containment has increased along the southern perimeter, with crews utilizing Roads 1100 and 1197 as containment lines. UAS with infrared cameras are helping identify and extinguish remaining hot spots along the western edge. Firefighters across both incidents are prepared to respond to any new lightning-caused fires, as thunderstorms remain in the forecast through Friday.
Weather outlook and safety measures
The forecast for Thursday and Friday predicts continued showers and thunderstorms, with wetting rains expected to further support firefighting efforts. Temperatures will drop slightly, with highs decreasing by 1–3 degrees and relative humidity rising by 2–3 percent. Increased cloud cover will also contribute to cooler conditions through the weekend. For smoke-related air quality updates, visit wildlandfiresmoke.net.
Public safety remains a priority. A TFR is in place over both the Bronco and Indian Creek fire areas, and the public is reminded not to fly drones near active wildfires. Closures are in effect on Fort Apache Tribal Lands, spanning from Amos Wash to the Black River and surrounding areas. The San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands are under Stage 3 fire restrictions, prohibiting campfires and closing higher-elevation areas like Point of Pines, Hilltop, Route 8, and Seneca to the public. For questions, contact the San Carlos Apache Tribe at 928-475-2326, ext. 352 or 321.
Ongoing efforts and community support
The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 (CIMT 4) is leading operations for the Bronco and Indian Creek fires, working to protect communities and natural resources. Firefighters are employing a combination of direct suppression tactics, heavy equipment, and advanced technology like UAS to keep the fires in check.
For more information, visit the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SWAIMT4 or contact the fire information lines: 928-260-0018 for general inquiries (8 a.m.–8 p.m.) or 928-260-0510 for media. Email updates are available at 2025.indiancreek@firenet.gov (mailto:2025.indiancreek@firenet.gov) for the Indian Creek Fire and 2025.bronco@firenet.gov (mailto:2025.bronco@firenet.gov) for the Bronco Fire.
As cooler weather and potential rainfall continue to aid firefighting efforts, crews remain vigilant to ensure these wildfires are contained while protecting Arizona’s communities and landscapes.
