A fast-moving brush fire near Wickenburg forced evacuations, destroyed multiple RVs and structures, and temporarily shut down a major stretch of U.S. 60 as firefighters battled dangerous conditions in the Hassayampa River Bottom area southeast of town.
The wildfire, named the Jones Fire, broke out Monday and quickly spread through dry brush near milepost 111 along U.S. 60. Authorities said the fire prompted the closure of the highway in both directions while emergency crews worked to protect nearby homes, RV communities, and residents in the area.
Officials issued “GO” evacuation orders for residents living on South Kerkes Street, including the Arrowhead RV community, as well as areas stretching from U.S. 93 to Zabel Mine Road and from the railroad tracks west of U.S. 60 to areas east of the highway. Hassayampa Elementary School was also included within evacuation zones.
As the situation evolved, some evacuation notices were later reduced from “GO” to “SET” and eventually back to “READY” status for certain neighborhoods. However, officials said South Kerkes Street and the Arrowhead RV area remained closed because of ongoing fire danger and active firefighting operations.
According to Arizona Forestry officials, the fire initially burned roughly 15 acres before rapidly expanding. By Monday afternoon, crews estimated the blaze had reached approximately 100 acres, although later mapping revised the burn area down to 84 acres. Fire officials later reported the blaze was 55% contained, with containment lines holding well and no additional forward movement observed.
Authorities said at least eight to 10 RVs were destroyed during the fire, and multiple structures suffered damage. Residents returning to the area later described finding debris, rubble, and burned-out properties where homes and RVs once stood. Some evacuees said they lost nearly everything in the fire.
ABC15 crews spoke with residents affected by the fire after some evacuation orders were lifted. One resident said he was relieved to discover his home was still standing, though he was unable to locate his cat after returning. He also said he planned to help neighbors who lost homes and belongings in the blaze. Another resident expressed concern for displaced neighbors who had nowhere else to stay and offered temporary shelter to anyone needing help.
Emergency officials said APS shut off electricity to portions of the area east of U.S. 60 during firefighting efforts. The highway closure also created major traffic disruptions for travelers heading between the Phoenix area and northwestern Arizona. Most of U.S. 60 later reopened Tuesday evening after crews gained better control of the fire.
The American Red Cross opened an emergency evacuation shelter inside the gymnasium at Wickenburg High School located at 1090 South Vulture Mine Road. Officials instructed evacuees to bring important items including prescription medications, clothing, blankets, hygiene products, electronic chargers, and entertainment items for children.
Children from Hassayampa Elementary School were transported to the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts at Wickenburg High School during the emergency. The Wickenburg Unified School District later announced that classes would resume Wednesday, though some students would temporarily attend classes at alternate locations because of the fire.
Officials said the cause of the Jones Fire remains under investigation. Fire crews continued monitoring hot spots and strengthening containment lines while emergency managers urged residents to remain alert in case evacuation statuses changed again.
The latest wildfire also renewed memories of previous fires that impacted the Wickenburg area in recent years. In July 2025, the Monarch Fire burned about 150 acres after a two-vehicle crash ignited brush southeast of town. The year before, the Rose Fire grew to roughly 160 acres after railroad maintenance operations sparked flames that destroyed 15 structures, including seven homes.
Source: ABC15 Arizona
