Ranch Fire in Santa Cruz County Burns 2,700 Acres, Now 47% Contained

The Ranch Fire, a 2,751-acre wildfire burning in Santa Cruz County, is 47% contained as of Friday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Sparked by a lightning strike to a tree on Wednesday morning, the fire is burning about 19 miles southeast of Patagonia in the San Rafael Valley. Fueled by dense grasses and brush, strong winds have driven the flames from state land into the Coronado National Forest.
Throughout the week, large air tankers worked with crews on the ground to suppress the flames, aided by cooler overnight temperatures and increased relative humidity.
Crews are continuing mop-up operations along the fire's perimeter and within areas of heavy vegetation, as they work toward full containment.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Emergency Management has downgraded all residents to the "Ready" phase of the "Ready, Set, Go" emergency response system.
Santa Cruz County residents can sign up for emergency alerts at: https://entry.inspironlogistics.com/santacruz_az/wens.cfm
Approximately 135 personnel remain assigned to the fire, including hand crews and engines.
In May 2025, state, federal, and tribal agencies enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions across southeastern Arizona in response to extreme drought and heightened wildfire risk.
Effective since May 12, the restrictions ban all campfires and stove fires on public lands—including those in developed campsites—as well as outdoor smoking. Fireworks have remained strictly prohibited on both state and federal lands.
Violations of the restrictions were punishable by a fine or imprisonment, and violators may be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.
Visitors and residents should check with local jurisdictions for relevant information, as fire restrictions are subject to change.
More information can be found at https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.
John Leos covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to john.leos@arizonarepublic.com.
Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Residents downgraded to "Ready" as Ranch Fire Hits 47% Containment

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