‘GO’ evacuation ordered for Cochise County camping area due to Shaw Fire

PHOENIX — A fast-moving wildfire in southeastern Arizona forced evacuations Monday afternoon near a popular camping area in Cochise County’s Dragoon Mountains.

The Shaw Fire, which ignited on private property shortly before 2 p.m., quickly grew to an estimated 15 to 20 acres and spread into the Coronado National Forest, burning through grass and brush on both sides of Ironwood Road northeast of Cochise Stronghold and west of Sunsites.

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office issued a “GO” evacuation order for Cochise Stronghold, including the Cochise Stronghold Campground. All trails in the East and West Stronghold are closed, including Cochise Trail and Middlemarch Canyon Trail.

A “SET” order, meaning residents should be prepared to leave, was issued west of Cochise Stronghold Road and south of Dream Catcher Way, approximately 80 miles east of Tucson.

Crews have stopped forward progress on the #ShawFire in Cochise County.

More than 50+ personnel remain engaged working toward 100% containment. #AZFire #AZForestry #CochiseCounty https://t.co/5YKu6Oilk7

— AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management (@azstateforestry) April 21, 2026

Four single-engine air tankers were working the fire alongside ground resources, including engines and an Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management hand crew. Additional aircraft, two large air tankers, an air-attack platform and a helicopter, along with a hotshot crew were ordered and en route Monday evening, the forestry department said.

Crews were using direct-attack strategies to protect nearby homes and infrastructure, the Coronado National Forest said.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information is released.

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