Single Publication

Sells, AZ – The Contreras Fire started June 11 on a remote ridge of the Baboquivari Mountain range, north of the Baboquivari Peak, 20 miles east of Sells, Arizona on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. It is approximately 80 acres, burning grass and brush in steep and rugged terrain that is difficult for firefighters to access.

Airtankers have slowed the fire’s growth using retardant. Two hand crews and a local fire engine are assigned. These resources will assess safe areas to begin to contain the remote fire.

BIA, Papago Agency plans to transfer command of the fire to the Southeast Zone Incident Management Team 3 the evening of June 13.

Evacuations: None

Management Objective: Reduce fire size using aircraft, giving firefighters time to assess the fire landscape. Future objectives will include working with the Bureau of Land Management Gila District and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to develop a successful management strategy that will keep the fire as small as safety possible while protecting firefighter and public safety.

Operational Update: Firefighters are assessing the fire situation. Heavy airtankers are providing air support to keep the fire size as small as possible as it burns down steep and inaccessible slopes.

Smoke from the fire is visible from Sells, AZ; however, it does not currently pose a threat to communities.

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tohono O’odham Nation, Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

A fire update will be released when significant activity occurs. Visit InciWeb for the most current fire information.