Massive 1,000-Acre Cody Fire Triggers Evacuations in Oracle, Near Tucson

A pair of fires are currently ravaging the mountains south of Oracle, Arizona, notably impacting the Cody Fire, which emerged Wednesday afternoon and has consumed over 1,000 acres 30 miles northeast of Tucson.

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has mandated evacuations from the eastern region of Oracle as the fire rapidly expanded to 500 acres earlier in the day. Residents of Oracle and San Manuel are being advised to prepare for potential evacuations.

Canyon del Oro High School is functioning as a Red Cross shelter for displaced individuals, while a second shelter has been established at the community center in Mammoth.

In addition to the Cody Fire, the Cedar Fire is also ablaze in the vicinity, spanning approximately 10 acres. Across Arizona, five wildfires are currently active, among them the Greer Fire, which has engulfed 20,000 acres and has led to evacuations in Greer, Edgar, and Springerville. This fire is around 90% contained. Additionally, the Blind Fire in Coconino County has burned approximately 6,300 acres and is 60% contained. The Maverick Fire has consumed about 43 acres near Willcox.

Pima County officials have declared severe drought conditions across the Tucson metro area and the Santa Catalina Mountains, with surrounding areas in extreme drought. A collaborative map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and National Drought Mitigation Center highlights these conditions.

In response, Pima County is enforcing new fire restrictions starting this week, joining various state land managers across Arizona. Restrictions will limit campfire use and prohibit smoking, target shooting, and the operation of gas-powered tools on county, state, and federal land. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to declare a fire emergency, extending similar restrictions to county-owned properties.

These measures coincide with existing restrictions on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Parks Service. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, along with the Bureau of Land Management, plans to implement additional restrictions by Friday morning amidst prevailing drought conditions.

The new regulations affect county-owned properties, including parks, campgrounds, and RV parks. “Our priority is to protect both communities and natural landscapes from the threat of wildfires,” stated Sandra Espinoza, director of the Pima County Office of Emergency Management, emphasizing the risk posed by current weather conditions.

Espinoza also noted that wildfires can produce toxic smoke, impact travel plans, and endanger public safety. New restrictions by state officials aim to curb activities typically responsible for igniting wildfires as temperatures rise.

Among the restrictions, Pima County has banned open flames, including campfires and wood-fired grills, while permitting gas grilling. The shooting of firearms, except in designated areas or lawful hunting, is also prohibited. Consumer fireworks and spark-generating activities such as welding are not allowed unless conducted under strict safety precautions.

The restrictions apply to Pima County’s natural parks, mountain trail parks, campsites, and all public lands where sparks or open flames may pose a fire risk. Violators may face fines, imprisonment, and could be held responsible for fire suppression costs.