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Bronco Fire burns 100 acres near Cave Creek as fire dangers persist

By
Published  May 17, 2026 5:19pm MST
Wildfires
FOX 10 Phoenix
Bronco Fire 50% contained as wildfire risk remains high

Bronco Fire 50% contained as wildfire risk remains high

The Bronco Fire is 50% contained after burning nearly 100 acres north of Cave Creek. FOX 10's Jacob Luthi learns more about the Stage 1 fire restrictions that are now active across Arizona.

The Brief

    • Crews worked through the night to battle the Bronco Fire in the Tonto National Forest, which is located approximately 20 miles north of Cave Creek.
    • The wildfire has burned nearly 100 acres and reached 50% containment amid challenging overnight winds.
    • Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across Arizona and the national forest until the end of September due to elevated fire danger.

SEVEN SPRINGS, Ariz. - Crews worked through the night battling the Bronco Fire burning in the Tonto National Forest, about 20 miles north of Cave Creek. The fire has scorched nearly 100 acres and is now 50% contained.

What we know:

Crews from all over the state worked through gusty winds overnight, doing everything they could to get the fire contained before even stronger winds picked up.

Video of the fire shows it sparked around 7 p.m. on May 16. 

Related

Bronco Fire: Brush fire burns in Tonto National Forest
article

Bronco Fire: Brush fire burns in Tonto National Forest

A brush fire named the "Bronco Fire" has sparked in the Tonto National Forest near the Bronco Trailhead.

Brad Widhalm with the Tonto National Forest says firefighters used 5-gallon water pouches and hand tools to battle the blaze, all while constantly adjusting to strong, shifting winds.

On May 15, the Tonto National Forest issued its Stage 1 fire restrictions because of elevated fire danger across Arizona and the national forest. Red Flag Warnings are in place for May 17.

What they're saying:

Widhalm says almost all of these fires can be prevented and encourages the public to do their part in keeping everyone safe.

"You can't target shoot. You can't have campfires unless it's in a ring that we provide— the Forest Service provides. So make sure that you're being safe and careful. If you're pulling a trailer, make sure the chains are not dragging on the ground. And just be smart and think about things before you do them. This fire could have been prevented," Widhalm said.

The backstory:

It's already shaping up to be a dangerously active fire season. Just about a week ago, the Horseshoe Fire burned more than 200 acres in the Tonto National Forest. 

What's next:

The restrictions are expected to remain in place until the end of September. Violations could result in fines or jail time. 

Map of the area.

The Source: This information was gathered from NWS Phoenix and the U.S. Forest Service — Tonto National Forest.

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