A fast-moving wildfire in a remote canyon of the Chiricahua Wilderness forced campers to clear out Monday night, as the Rucker Fire burned an estimated 75 acres and cut off popular backcountry access near Douglas. Forest Service crews worked through the night to corral the blaze while smoke, fire engines and heavy equipment shut down access roads and nudged visitors out of the high country. Officials are urging the public to steer clear of the area while firefighters stay focused on suppression.
Evacuations were ordered around the Rucker Lake area, including Raspberry Ridge Trail #282, Monte Vista Trail #221 and the Raspberry/Rucker trailhead, and Forest Service Road 74E is closed at Walnut Grove Campground. The fire remains roughly 75 acres with zero percent containment as crews work to secure the perimeter and watch for spot fires. Additional ground crews are being called in, and aircraft are helping with mapping and assessment, which means extra traffic along Rucker Canyon Road and even less room for sightseers. The cause is still under investigation, and a temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire. Anyone who interferes with firefighting aircraft or ground operations could face civil penalties and possible criminal charges, according to 12News.
Where crews are operating
The fire is burning in the Douglas Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest, a remote high-country stretch that usually lures hikers to the Chiricahua Wilderness and historic Camp Rucker. The Coronado National Forest website lists current alerts, contact information and campground details for the district and serves as the Forest Service's main clearinghouse for closure and safety updates. Drivers and backcountry users should be prepared for slow or stopped traffic on Rucker Canyon Road as engines, crews and equipment move in and out of the canyon.
What visitors should know
Anyone eyeing a trip to the Chiricahuas is being asked to skip the Rucker Lake, Walnut Grove and Camp Rucker corridors until firefighters get a better handle on the blaze and official closures are lifted. Local authorities and the Forest Service will share updates on containment progress and access changes as the situation evolves, according to 12News.
Drone rules and penalties
The Forest Service is again reminding the public that unauthorized drones are a serious hazard to pilots and firefighters and can shut down aerial firefighting in a hurry. Anyone flying an unmanned aircraft system that endangers manned aircraft or interferes with suppression efforts can face civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, along with potential criminal prosecution, under federal guidance on UAS and wildland fire operations from the U.S. Forest Service.
Fire crews remain on scene, watching for new spot fires and strengthening containment lines as conditions allow. Officials say more information will be released by the Forest Service and local agencies as the response continues.
