Staff Reports
BYLAS – The Goodwin Fire, which has been burning 12 miles southwest of Bylas since Aug. 6, is now 45% contained, with management transitioning back to the San Carlos Apache Tribe Type 4 organization on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, the Bronco Fire, located 30 miles northeast of San Carlos, continues to see progress at 66% containment as of Aug. 20.
Goodwin Fire Update
- Size: 1,059 acres
- Start Date: August 6, 2025
- Cause: Lightning
- Containment: 45%
- Personnel: 132
- Fuels: Short grass, brush, and juniper
- Location: 12 miles SW of Bylas, AZ
The Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Management Team will hand over control of the Goodwin Fire to the San Carlos Apache Tribe on Wednesday evening. An infrared flight conducted on Aug. 17 detected no heat, indicating minimal fire activity. Firefighting resources are now organized into initial attack (IA) groups covering over one million acres, remaining vigilant due to increased fire potential in the region. Bulldozers and graders will continue creating fuel breaks and repairing suppression-related damage to natural resources over the next few days.
A warming and drying trend is expected, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and decreasing humidity. Isolated lightning and thunderstorms are also forecast, raising concerns about potential new fire starts. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Goodwin Fire has been lifted, but the public is urged to avoid the area for safety reasons. Minimal smoke is present, and individuals sensitive to smoke can check air quality at https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Bronco Fire Update
- Size: 18,041 acres
- Start Date: August 3, 2025
- Cause: Lightning
- Containment: 66%
- Personnel: 57
- Fuels: Grass, brush, and timber
- Location: 30 miles NE of San Carlos, AZ
The Bronco Fire, managed by Incident Commander Duane Chapman and Incident Commander Trainee Michael Gutierrez, saw command transferred to the San Carlos agency on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team was commended for its collaborative efforts. Fire crews are focusing on suppression repair, including road maintenance and chipping along the southern edge of the 1400 road.
Weather conditions today include partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will range from 85 to 94 degrees, with southeast winds of 5 to 10 mph. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in San Carlos, Peridot, and Bylas remains in the green category (20 range), with no visible smoke in communities, though distant smoke from a wildfire on the Tonto National Forest is noticeable.
Fire Restrictions and Safety
Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect, prohibiting campfires, charcoal, or firewood use. The Hilltop area is closed until further notice. Burn permits, available at the San Carlos Forestry front office, are valid for one week and restrict burning to 6:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. For inquiries, contact the Forestry office at (928) 475-2326 ext. 301.
The health and safety of firefighters and the public remain the top priority. For further information on the Goodwin Fire, call the Fire Information Phone at (928) 218-4240 (8 a.m.–8 p.m.).
The San Carlos Apache Tribe and supporting agencies continue to monitor both fires closely, ensuring the safety of the community and the protection of natural resources.
