Wildfire in White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties, Arizona

The Cow Canyon Fire was ignited by lightning on August 18th southeast of Blue in Greenlee County. The fire grew only minimally for several weeks until hot, dry and breezy conditions caused more rapid growth toward the end of September, which continued into October when northerly winds sent smoke plumes aloft over the communities of Clifton and Morenci at times. While the fire continued well into November, the spread of the fire was halted by October 22nd after consuming 35,371 acres. Fire suppression costs were estimated at $2,850,000.