dailyloe.com – The Hazen Fire, located south of Buckeye, Arizona, has burned approximately 980 acres with 0% containment as of Sunday evening.
Winds picked up, raising concerns for firefighting crews. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management reported the fire was first detected around 3 p.m. Saturday near Hazen and Rooks roads, east of State Route 85.
Officials stated that smoke and visible flames would be present overnight, but assured residents there was no immediate threat. No evacuations or school closures were announced.
Since the fire began, it has been active for over 24 hours. Although there was a temporary easing of activity overnight, the fire reignited, adding more than 300 acres to its size.
Wind gusts reached about 30 mph, pushing the fire northeast and causing concern among nearby residents. Cellphone footage captured flames racing through the Gila River area, alarming those at the Parkside Travel Trailer Park.
Noah Hill, a resident, described the situation as alarming, stating, “It looked like it was right on top of us at that point. My eyes are burning. Ashes are falling from the sky.”
Another resident, Alexis Byrd, compared the scene to a war zone. Hill noted that the fire knocked down power lines and spread quickly through the river bottom.
The Buckeye Fire Department was the first to respond, with the state’s Department of Forestry and Fire Management taking over command later. Wind conditions complicated air support efforts.
A helicopter began operations but was grounded due to the wind. Subsequently, single-engine air tankers were deployed to drop retardant and water on spot fires.
Some residents prepared quickly as the flames approached. Hill mentioned, “I packed my guns. I packed everything I could — cash, medicine.”
