The Walnut Fire has temporarily closed I-10. As of late Tuesday morning the fire had progressed toward the interstate and crews have been trying to hold it along the road.
The fire was mapped by air Tuesday at 6,800 acres and is approximately seven miles northwest of Dragoon.
The fire was reported on Mae West Peak, in the Texas Canyon-area of Cochise County, on Sunday, June 20, 2021 around 6:00 am.
The Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team was brought in and as of Tuesday has assumed command of the Walnut Fire.
On Monday, the fire backed down the peak toward I-10 prompting trigger points to be established to close the highway if the fire hit those points.
No evacuations or official closures have been issued at this time; however local residents are advised to steer clear of the fire area.