06/04/2026
Final update for the Benton Fire
Friday, June 5, 2026, at 4:27 pm
Sierra Vista Ranger District
Start Time/Date: 5:12 pm on June 3, 2026
Acres: 218
Containment: 30%
Cause: Under Investigation
Evacuations: None
The fire is no longer spreading, and forward progress was reported stopped at 2:10 pm. Throughout the day, firefighters continued to reinforce the line with helicopters available to respond when needed. More accurate mapping places the fire at 218 acres. The weather proved favorable as the light and variable winds did not cause the interior heat to test the containment lines. Smoke may be present for the next couple of days as firefighters continue to respond to interior hot spots.
In Mexico, bomberos (firefighters) continued mopping up and securing the estimated 30 acres of burned area that occurred when the fire crossed the international boundary. The fire will remain in monitor status while the bomberos confirm there is no remaining interior heat.
Throughout the evening, crews will continue to monitor the fire and respond as needed. Throughout the weekend, firefighters will respond to any remaining interior hot spots and build out containment lines. Arial support will remain available and ready to respond if needed.
If you fly, we can’t
The area is under Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Individuals who have been determined to have endangered manned aircraft or people on the ground with a UAS and/or interfered with wildfire suppression may be subject to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution.
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Benton Fire
Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:56 pm
Sierra Vista Ranger District
Start Time/Date: 5:12 pm on June 3, 2026
Approximate Acres: 200
Containment: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation
Evacuations: None
Rain, high humidity, and low winds aided the full suppression efforts. Large Air Tankers (LATs) dropped retardant on the western, northern, and eastern flanks within the United States, while ground resources reinforced the lines. Helicopters strategically dropped water along the perimeter to stop any hotspots from spreading. There were no injuries as firefighters navigated the extremely remote, rough, and rugged terrain.
In Mexico, bomberos (firefighters) immediately responded with full suppression tactics and made progress on stopping forward movement. With assistance from United States ground resources and low fuel loading in Mexico, the bomberos have begun mopping up and securing the estimated 30 acres of burned area that occurred when the fire crossed the international boundary.
Throughout the evening, crews will continue to monitor the fire and respond as needed. Very low to low fire behavior is expected throughout the night.
Please avoid the area as there is increased fire traffic.
If you fly, we can’t
The area is under Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Individuals who have been determined to have endangered manned aircraft or people on the ground with a UAS and/or interfered with wildfire suppression may be subject to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution.
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Benton Fire
Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:06 am
Sierra Vista Ranger District
Start Time/Date: 5:12 pm on June 3, 2026
Approximate Acres: 200
Containment: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation
Evacuations: None
Firefighters worked throughout the night building containment lines. The fire spread quickly until 2 am due to increased weather activity. At sunrise, crews reassessed the fire, began using helicopters to drop water strategically onto hot spots, supported Large Air Tankers in dropping retardant, and ground support firefighters continued reinforcing the lines.
Today, the fire is showing low activity, which is aiding the firefighting efforts in the extremely remote, rough, and rugged terrain. Helicopters and UTVs are being utilized to place firefighters in strategic positions to support full suppression operations. Additional resources are available for response.
In Mexico, bomberos (firefighters) immediately responded with full suppression tactics and are making progress on stopping forward movement. Mexico is supporting the United States response by allowing aircraft to utilize its airspace for strategic aircraft maneuvers.
Please avoid the area as there is increased fire traffic.
If you fly, we can’t
The area is under Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Individuals who have been determined to have endangered manned aircraft or people on the ground with a UAS and/or interfered with wildfire suppression may be subject to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution.
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Benton Fire
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:32 pm
Sierra Vista Ranger District
Start Time: 5:12 pm
Approximate Acres: 50
Containment: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation
Evacuations: None
Smoke was reported near the Mexico border, south of the Duquesne/61 Road, within the Patagonia Mountains. Firefighters immediately responded with air and ground support, utilizing full suppression tactics once the fire was confirmed. The fire is currently on the United States and Mexico sides of the border, with engagement by both countries. Firefighters will remain on the fire throughout the night.
Currently, there are no values at risk.
If you fly, we can’t
The area is under Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Individuals who have been determined to have endangered manned aircraft or people on the ground with a UAS and/or interfered with wildfire suppression may be subject to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution.
