Overview
- The Steamboat Fire was first reported on June 26 about six miles northeast of Kearny, Arizona, and Gila County ordered immediate “GO” evacuations for Linx Ranch and Victory Ranch.
- By the June 28 morning update the blaze had grown to an estimated 1,125 acres with containment at 0 percent while firefighters continued direct attack where conditions allowed.
- Strong, dry, gusty winds and low humidity have driven wind‑driven spread and at times made fixed‑wing retardant operations unsafe, so crews have depended on helicopters and ground teams.
- A Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team has taken command, additional wildland resources were requested, and officials have adjusted Ready‑Set‑Go statuses with some areas moved from SET to READY.
- The fire’s cause remains under investigation and officials warn that power shutoffs, smoke, road visibility, and unauthorized drones could affect evacuations, aerial operations, and local sheltering plans.