The Jones Fire that destroyed RVs in Wickenburg and displaced approximately 25 people, was human-caused and ignited in a riverbed, according to officials.
The Department of Forestry and Fire Management held a meeting in Wickenburg to update residents about the Jones Fire, as some people remain displaced from their homes.
On Tuesday evening, officials said the fire is 84 acres and 10% contained. The DFFM said the fire was started by a human in the riverbed.
"What really fueled this fire was the fuel bed, so it’s burning in salt cedar," said Tiffany Davila, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management public affairs officer. "It's very dense. It's thick. It has an oily substance, so it burns very hot, it's flammable, and it pushes up that big black smoke.
"Officials also said the fire was influenced by the heat and dry conditions. Fighting the fire are about 150 personnel, including wildland crews from as far as Tucson and Douglas.
"Now today and over the next few days, they're going to strengthen that containment line and make sure it's going to hold in the heat and in the wind," Davila said. Many people living in Wickenburg also attended the meeting. The fire chief said about 25 people were displaced, while the DFFM says that about eight to 10 RVs, and several cars were destroyed at the Arrowhead RV Park. One resident, Francisco Camarena, confirmed his RV is completely burned down.
He remembers living there for the past three and a half years.
"Done everything, lose everything," Camarena said. "It's hard because you need to start again. "Camarena said he had also lost everything he owns, and even the clothes on his back are not his. "I can't take anything from my house.
I lost everything there, my clothes, everything," Camarena said. People like Camarena can go to Wickenburg High School, located at 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, where the Red Cross has food, water and a place to stay. A volunteer says on Monday they had about 40 people stop by, while three people and a dog stayed overnight. Camarena said the fire isn't burning his hope for the future.
"It's OK. The important thing is, I'm OK," Camarena said. A GO alert has been issued. Residents on South Kerkes Street are being told to evacuate.
All previous SET and GO areas have been returned to SET status, Maricopa County Emergency Management said. In a separate statement, officials with the American Red Cross said a shelter has been set up at Wickenburg High School, located at 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road. The fire closed U.S. 60 in both directions at milepost 111. The Arizona Department of Transportation says the highway has since been mostly reopened between Wickenburg and Morristown.
According to the Arizona Emergency Information network, the "Ready, Set, Go!
" program is a nationwide program that is adopted by Arizona's 15 county sheriffs. "The three steps encourage Arizonans to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening," read a portion of the website. READY – Prepare NowBe aware of the hazards that can threaten your community. SET – Be AlertKnow there is significant danger in your area.
This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO. GO!
– EvacuateDanger in your area is imminent and life-threatening. The cause of the brush fire is unknown. Map of area where the fire is burning:
Wildfires News Us Az Maricopa County
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jones Fire burning near Wickenburg shuts down U.S. 60; evacuation orderedThe Jones Fire has burned an estimated 15 acres along both sides of the river bottom southeast of Wickenburg.
Read more »
'GO' evacuation set for some as brush fire prompts US 60 closure near WickenburgSome surrounding areas have been placed on a 'SET' evacuation status and highway closures are in place as crews battle a large brush fire in the Wickenburg area.
Read more »
AM Roundup: Jones Fire latest, Goodyear detective admits to evidence issues in court, grads at PCHWe're highlighting recent top stories and the latest forecast to start your day on this Tuesday, May 12.
Read more »
Jones Fire: Wickenburg police help evacuate daycare children, staff as crews battle blazeFire crews continue to battle the Jones Fire in Wickenburg, with police helping evacuate children and staff from a daycare, when roads were blocked.
Read more »