Crews near Concho stop growth of first Arizona wildfire over 1,000 acres this year

Fire crews were sent to contain a grass fire that grew to 1,000 acres near Concho in eastern Arizona on Tuesday, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management reported on Twitter.

In early afternoon, crews were sent approximately 4.5 miles southwest of Concho in Apache County to address a new wind-driven fire. Officials reported high winds were fueling the spread of the Ranch Fire toward the southeast of Concho. By midafternoon, aircraft shots revealed the fire had grown to between 300 and 500 acres but no structures appeared to be under threat.

Crews assigned to the fire stopped its progress at about 1,600 acres with 95% containment, the Forestry Department reported about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The fire is suspected to have been caused by human activity. A fire investigator was requested and sent to the scene, officials reported.

It is the first wildfire over 1,000 acres in Arizona this year, according to online logs from the Southwest Coordination Center. 

"Folks, please pay attention to weather conditions when working outdoors. Do not burn or use equipment that may throw sparks when it’s windy," the Forestry Department said on Facebook.

Rising concern: Study finds big wildfires temporarily boost water supplies, flood risks

Reach breaking news reporter Julie Luchetta at jluchetta@arizonarepublic.com.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.