UPDATE (8:40 a.m., May 29): The Rucker Fire is currently reporting 100% containment. The incident has transitioned to a Type 5 organization as of this morning, May 29, 2026. Crews will remain on scene throughout the weekend in monitoring status.
The road past Walnut Grove Campground remains closed, along with the dispersed campsites near historic Rucker Lake, Raspberry Ridge Trail #282, Monte Vista Trail #221, and the Raspberry/Rucker Trailhead. Visitors are asked to avoid the area as there will be additional traffic on Rucker Canyon Road and FSR 74E. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Approximately 93 acres were burned.
UPDATE (8:45 a.m., May 27): A fire in the Douglas Ranger District that started at 12:53 PM has burned about 82.5 acres and is 40% contained; the cause is under investigation. All lines held overnight with only limited smoke this morning, resources remain engaged, and winds of 5–7 mph are expected today. The road past Walnut Grove Campground is closed, as are dispersed campsites near historic Rucker Lake and the Raspberry Ridge Trail #282, Monte Vista Trail #221, and Raspberry/Rucker Trailhead; visitors should avoid the area due to increased traffic on Rucker Canyon Road and FSR 74E.
UPDATE (1:26 p.m., May 26):
The US Fire Service said the Rucker Fire grew to 92 acres this morning, but forward progression has been stopped.
According to a social media post, firefighters will build out containment lines throughout the day to address hot spots.
It still puts containment at 0%.
UPDATE (9:54 a.m., May 26):
According to the US Forest Service, the Rucker Fire is now at 75 acres with 0% containment.
Firefighters worked to secure the perimeter through Monday evening. Additional ground crews will continue suppression operations throughout the day.
Evacuations continue for campsites near Rucker Lake.
—————————————————-
Smoke reported around midday in a remote canyon northwest of historic Rucker Lake has been confirmed as the Rucker Fire, the U.S. Forest Service’s Coronado National Forest said Monday.
The Douglas Ranger District posted that the fire started at about 12:53 p.m. and, as of the 2:53 p.m. update, has burned an estimated 40 acres and is 0% contained. The cause remains under investigation.
Fire crews immediately responded with both air and ground resources. Helicopter-borne firefighter rappellers are being brought into the canyon to support suppression tactics in the steep, remote terrain, officials said. At this time the Forest Service reports there are no known values at risk.
Precautionary evacuations are in place for dispersed campsites near historic Rucker Lake and for the Raspberry Ridge Trail #282, Monte Vista Trail #221 and the Raspberry/Rucker trailhead. Visitors are asked to avoid the area; additional traffic is expected on Rucker Canyon Road (FSR 74E).
The area is under Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). The Forest Service warned that individuals who operate unmanned aircraft (UAS/drones) that endanger manned aircraft or interfere with wildfire suppression could face civil penalties — including fines up to $25,000 — and possible criminal prosecution.
Officials say they will provide updates as conditions change. Authorities ask the public to obey closures and avoid the area to ensure safety and allow firefighters to work without interference.
