Single Publication

 INCIDENT STATISTICS

• Fire start date: June 11, 2022
• Cause: Lightning
• Acres: 11,489
• Containment: 0%
• Total Personnel: 300+
• Jurisdiction: BIA, Papago Agency

SUMMARY: 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 11,500 acres at the time of this update, burning grass and brush in steep and rugged terrain that is difficult for firefighters to access.

The Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Contreras Fire as of June 16, under the direction of Incident Commander Brian Pisarek.

To date, aviation resources and retardant efforts have had limited success due to heavy smoke, high winds and extremely dry fuels. Smoke from the fire is visible from Sells and Three Points, and residual effects have been reported near Tucson. Firefighter and public safety remain top priority, as well as providing protection and minimizing impacts to cultural, heritage, natural resources and wildlife.
 
TODAY: The hottest temperatures of the year are expected today, which will slow tactical efforts on the ground, considering emergency responder safety. Breezy west winds with gusts up to 25 mph are forecasted for this afternoon. Firefighters will scout and identify potential holding features such as roads, trail systems and natural barriers such as rock outcroppings and vegetation breaks. The fire is currently being managed in two divisions, north and south. In addition to ground crews which include engines and water tenders, structure protection divisions have been assigned to the Kitt Peak Observatory to the north and Elkhorn Ranch to the south.
 
Critical fire weather remains in the region. Moisture will begin to move through the region on Friday, carrying a chance of thunderstorms with limited moisture expected, frequent lightning and gusty, erratic winds. 

An evening operational update on the Contreras Fire will be provided via Facebook only.

YESTERDAY: High winds, low relative humidity and extremely rough terrain challenged firefighting efforts. The fire almost doubled in size, gaining the most growth on the north end toward Kitt Peak Observatory. 

Firefighters attempted direct line construction to protect the Elkhorn Ranch to the south, with several contingency lines accessible for firefighter safety. The fire is approximately .25 miles from the ranch, and 1.5 miles from the Kitt Peak Observatory to the north.