YOUNG, AZ (AZFamily) — Firefighters are increasing containment on the Billy Fire, burning out of control in Gila County, as acreage grows and a nearby freeway is shut down, officials said on Wednesday.

Firefighters said the wildfire is 21% contained while burning 19,750 acres as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, about 15 miles south of Young. The Arizona Department of Transportation announced state Route 288 is closed again between Cherry Creek Road near Roosevelt Lake and National Forest Road 140, south of Aztec Peak.

Murphy Ranch and Ellison Ranch are still under evacuation orders, as they have been since Aug. 4 and Aug. 10, respectively.

Those living in Elk’s Camp, Trachta Ranch, Circle Ranch, Johnson Ranch, and Cook Ranch have been told to prepare to evacuate.

Firefighters said the Billy Fire

See Full Page