Update: A second-alarm brush fire, known as the Hazen Fire, broke out Saturday afternoon in Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona. The fire has since grown to 275 acres, according to the Watch Duty app. Smoke from the blaze has been reported across parts of Goodyear, Avondale, Glendale, and the Phoenix area.
In response to the fire’s westward spread, State Route 85 near Buckeye has been shut down. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is advising motorists to expect delays and seek alternate routes.
"There is no estimated time to reopen the highway," ADOT officials stated.
While no evacuations have been issued, Arizona Public Service (APS) has de-energized power lines in the area as a precautionary safety measure.
Assistant Fire Chief Rayne Gray told FOX 10, "Arizona Public Service has de-energized power lines in the area as a safety measure. Some damage to electrical infrastructure has been sustained; however, the extent of outages is currently unknown."
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Update: A second-alarm brush fire is burning in Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona, with smoke reported across parts of Goodyear, Avondale, Glendale, and the Phoenix area.
{{/usCountry}}Update: A second-alarm brush fire is burning in Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona, with smoke reported across parts of Goodyear, Avondale, Glendale, and the Phoenix area.
{{/usCountry}}According to AZ Family, the fire was first spotted around 3 p.m. near Hazen and Rooks roads. By about 4:15 p.m. local time, the blaze had grown to an estimated 10–12 acres.
A spokesperson for the Buckeye Fire Department told 12 News that the blaze is “difficult to access,” which is complicating suppression efforts.
Officials said there are currently no reported structure exposures or injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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Initial report: A brush fire dubbed the Hazen Fire is burning in Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona, with smoke drifting toward Goodyear, Avondale, Glendale, and the Phoenix area.
Where is the fire burning?
The fire has grown to an estimated 10–12 acres in heavy fuels, according to radio traffic.
The Watch Duty app map shows the blaze burning south of W Hazen Road and S Rooks Road.
Evacuation updates
The Watch Duty app reports that law enforcement has been requested to assist with precautionary evacuations at a nearby RV park and equestrian center.
Photos and videos
Residents have taken to social media to share images and videos of the fire and heavy smoke, which has been visible across parts of the West Valley.