Draw Fire Update - July 31, 2025

Location of Origin: 5 miles south of Big Lake, AZ     Start Date: July 24, 2025

Size: 314 acres                                                           Percent Contained: 47%

Cause: Lightning                                                         Fuels: Mixed conifer, grass, snags Resources Assigned: 3 Helicopters, 3 Hotshot crews, 1 Hand Crew, 1 Type 2 Wildland Fire Module, 7 Engines, 3 Dozers, 1 excavator/masticator, 1 feller buncher 

Highlights: Storm systems in the late afternoon helped slow the fire’s rate of spread. Crews worked hard and took advantage of the moisture by tying in control lines, bringing the total containment up to 47%. The fire is burning in the Wallow footprint near the West Fork of the Black River off Forest Road (FR) 68.

Operations: Operations, along with the Incident Commander, conducted a recon flight of fire activity in the area over Hay Creek. The Northern portions of the Western flank showed light smoke from smoldering fuels. To the south, crews completed and secured control lines into the drainage areas near the fire’s flanks off FR8424. On the Northern flanks of the fire crews continued to construct contingency lines from FR249C. Monsoonal weather conditions required crews to briefly stand down for safety reasons until storms passed. On the Eastern flank, crews continued to prep and complete lines along FR68.

Safety: Due to increased monsoonal moisture and reduced fire behavior, The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are no longer considering a closure order for parts of the National Forests lands along FR68, FR249C, FR249E, FR25 and portions of the Thompson Trail #629. However, the public is asked to yield to fire crews working along FR68 and FR249E rd. Public and firefighters’ safety is a main concern, please consider avoiding the area while fire crews are at work for their safety and yours.

Smoke: Smoke from the Draw fire may be visible in the surrounding areas and will be heavier in the evenings and mornings as it settles into the lower elevations. Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for the possibility of thunderstorms with a high of 79 degrees and wind gusts to 15 mph. Chance of gusty and erratic winds following storms.