"The rapid expansion to 668 acres in just a few days and the significant resource commitment—over 100 personnel and a $750,000 estimated cost—highlight the fire’s potential impact on the region’s natural resources and communities."
The Paddy Creek wildfire, located in Apache County, Arizona, was discovered on August 17, 2026, and is caused by natural factors under the jurisdiction of the BIA. The fire rapidly expanded from 10 acres on August 25 to 668 acres by August 31, with a peak growth to 668 acres that remained unchanged through September 4. Containment remained at 0% until September 3, when it reached 63% and stayed at that level until the fire was fully contained at 100% on September 9. Personnel increased from 10 to 108 during the peak, and the estimated cost rose from $512,000 to $750,000 before final containment. The fire behavior shifted from moderate to minimal and smoldering as containment progressed.
Official source description: 22 Miles SE from White River, AZ
Minimal; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Miami. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is now fully contained and behaving minimally; standard wildfire safety precautions still apply, but no immediate evacuation or sheltering is required.
IRWIN ID: {DFBC32A4-EBCB-41A1-8594-32CD3587F494}
Discovered: Aug 17, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: BIA
Est. Cost to Date: $800,000
Coordinates: 33.6207, -109.6495
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in AZ.
The Paddy Creek Fire has burned 668 acres as of September 9, 2026.
Yes, the Paddy Creek Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Paddy Creek Fire is burning in Apache, AZ.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Paddy Creek Fire remains active.
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