Buckeye Fire crews work to contain a bush fire as it moves west toward Highway 85 in south Buckeye. [Ryan Williams]
9 p.m. UPDATE
Saturday’s brush fire was contained at about 9 p.m. with about 275 acres burned, according to the Buckeye Fire Department.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The State Department of Forestry and Fire Management joined the effort, bringing in dozers to strengthen containment lines.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined.
Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]While the fire was still burning late Saturday, crews continued to “work within the perimeter to secure and improve the contained area. There is no further fire spread, no evacuations and no reported injuries at this time,” according to Buckeye Fire Department officials.
The wildfire was first reported as burning 6 acres along the Gila River bottom near Hazen and Rooks roads but by Saturday evening had grown to about 162 acres, according to the Buckeye Fire Department.
The fire spread to the northwest on the east side of State Route 85, which was closed because thick smoke made visibility hazardous.
"Crews have been successful in stopping the fire’s westward progression at the State Route 85 bridge," stated Rayne Gray, BFD assistant fire chief. "Natural barriers are in place and providing support along the south, north and northwest flanks, which are helping to limit further spread in those directions."
Fire crews work a brusch fire near Hazen and Rooks roads in south Buckeye. [Josh John]State Land crews developed a plan for continued suppression efforts overnight, Gray told InBuckeye.
Additionally the Arizona Department of Public Safety worked in coordination with the Buckeye Police Department to close northbound Highway 85. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes, Gray said.
"Logistical support operations are underway to ensure personnel are sustained through the operational period," Gray said.
Buckeye Fire Department crews, along with regional partners, found access to the river bottom difficult and firefighters were allowing the fire to burn through available fuels "in a controlled manner while maintaining containment lines."
"The operational objective is to stop the fire’s forward progress at an established fire break located west of the current fire edge," Gray told InBuckeye.
Additionally, Arizona Public Service has de-energized power lines in the area.
"Some damage to electrical infrastructure has been sustained; however, the extent of outages is currently unknown," Gray stated
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]Local fire crews work on a fast moving wildfire Saturday that began in the Gila River bottom and closed State Route 85. [Ryan Williams]
One Response
This is a lie. The fire is still burning