Arizona's Rose Fire destroys structures, temporarily closes road to Phoenix

WICKENBURG, Az. – The Rose Fire destroyed several structures after forcing authorities to temporarily close US 60, which connects the town of Wickenburg to Phoenix, as dangerously high temperatures continue in Arizona this week.

Officials with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said the Rose Fire started about 4 miles south of Wickenburg on the east side of U.S. 60 on Wednesday.

Windy, hot and dry conditions allowed the fire to grow from less than 10 acres to more than 160 acres, prompting evacuations in the Rio Vista Hills community. The fire has overtaken the highway and continues to burn on both sides of US 60.

The fire destroyed at least six structures and approximately 25 homes remain threatened by the Rose Fire. FOX 10 Phoenix reports about 100 homes were initially threatened Wednesday.

All evacuation orders were lifted and residents were allowed to return home Thursday morning.

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On Thursday, Arizona Department of Forestry officials said cooler overnight temperatures and increased humidity helped reduce fire activity and prevent it from growing.

The fire is still estimated at 150 acres without containment. Additional resources, including crews and advanced engines, will arrive on Thursday.

Officials said U.S. 60 remained largely closed outside of Wickenburg as the fire continued to burn on both sides of the highway. Downed power lines on the highway create additional hazards for vehicles.

The fire closed the fastest route to and from Phoenix on U.S. 60 near Morristown and south of Wickenburg. Traffic is being rerouted onto Interstate 10 to bypass the closure, adding about 30 minutes to the typically hour-long commute.

Thursday afternoon, Arizona Department of Transportation officials announced the reopening of one lane of eastbound US 60.

The investigation is looking into the causes of the fire.

Dangerous heat cooks Arizona

Firefighters battling the Rose Fire faced extreme weather conditions. Excessive heat warnings are in effect in five western states, including Arizona and California.

Dangerously hot temperatures, between 106 and 112 degrees, are forecast across the southwest and southern Arizona.

Phoenix and most of southern Arizona remain under an excessive heat warning through Sunday evening. Wickenburg is included in the warning and temperatures are expected to reach 104 on Friday.