Multiple fire crews responded to a large brush fire burning in Buckeye, as heavy smoke filled the area and prompted a major emergency response.
The fire broke out in the river bottom near Hazen and Rooks roads, where thick vegetation and desert brush fueled the flames. Crews from Buckeye and surrounding West Valley departments quickly arrived to battle the blaze, which was described as fast-moving and difficult to access due to the terrain.
The fire started around 2:30 p.m. on May 2 and rapidly spread through the area, eventually burning approximately 273 acres. Officials said the blaze was driven by dense fuels such as creosote trees, which contributed to the heavy smoke and intense fire behavior seen throughout the afternoon and evening.
Because of the fire’s size and movement, Highway 85 was shut down in both directions for several hours as crews worked to prevent the flames from crossing the roadway and spreading further. The fire also caused damage to power lines, leaving some residents temporarily without electricity.
Firefighters focused on stopping the fire’s westward advance, ultimately managing to hold the line near the Highway 85 bridge. Natural barriers in the area helped crews contain the spread, while additional teams prepared to continue operations overnight to keep the fire under control.
Authorities later confirmed that the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management took over command of the incident. As of Saturday night, the fire remained active and was reported to be 0% contained, despite earlier indications that it had been fully contained.
Officials said there were no evacuations and no reported injuries connected to the fire. However, they warned the public to avoid the area, noting that distractions from the fire had already contributed to at least one crash on Highway 85 that resulted in injuries.
Residents in the area described the chaotic scene as the fire spread. One Buckeye resident said he received numerous calls alerting him to the flames near where he lives, and he initially feared for his pets. He also described seeing horse trailers evacuating animals from a nearby equestrian center as winds shifted and conditions changed.
Fire crews planned to remain on scene overnight, monitoring the fire’s behavior and watching for any changes in wind that could push the flames in new directions. Officials have not yet released the cause of the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Source: Fox10 Phoenix
