Beehive Fire grows to 10,500 acres in southern Arizona, 62% containment

NOGALES, Ariz. (3TV/CBS 5) — Hundreds of fire personnel are battling a massive brush fire that ignited in southern Arizona last Friday. As of Wednesday morning, the fire is estimated at approximately 10,500 acres.

The Beehive Fire was reported near Ruby Road and National Forest Service Road 4187, northwest of Nogales. The fire spread from approximately 3,000 acres on Sunday to 8,500 acres by Monday night, growing to 10,532 acres by Tuesday. The fire remains at 62% contained as of Wednesday night. Over 250 firefighters are on the ground using a backburning fire suppression operation, air tankers and helicopters to extinguish the flames. However, extreme heat, low humidity and remote location of the fire have impacted the firefighter’s ability to attack the blaze.

There are currently no evacuation orders. However, the Arivaca Lake, campground and National Service Roads 4127 and 4130, and all National Forest and Arizona Game and Fish land within two miles of the lake are closed as a way to help firefighters battle the Beehive Fire and another wildfire in the area. There is no estimated time of reopening.

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