Fire crews report 85% containment on Oak Fire in southeastern Arizona

Published: Monday, June 19, 2023 - 1:18pm

Fire crews have reported 85% containment on a fire burning in southeastern Arizona.

The Oak Fire broke out Friday afternoon and quickly spread over 3,000 acres.

But Starr Farrell with the Coronado National Forest said it took about a day for crews to get the flames contained.

“We were concerned at first just because it was moving so quickly,” Farrell said. “And there were some [valuables at risk] — houses, outbuildings — that the fire was headed towards when it was going towards the northeast.”

Farrell said the fire was moving away from the city of Sonoita, but moving toward some homes outside of it. With the bulk of summer still ahead, she says more fire activity is likely.

The Oak Fire is just one of close to a dozen fires burning in the state now.

Wildfires