Rose Fire Forces Evacuation Near Wickenburg, 100 Homes Threatened

WICKENBURG, AZ (AZFamily) — A fast-moving wildfire called the Rose Fire caused evacuations south of Wickenburg, a highway closure and destroyed homes, officials said Wednesday.

Residents of the Rio Vista Hills community in the United States were asked to leave their homes, said Tiffany Davila of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

According to her, around 100 houses are threatened.

Davila said the flames overtook U.S. Highway 60.

A three-kilometer stretch of the highway is closed near 288th Avenue, between Wickenburg and Morristown.

Firefighters said the wildfire that broke out Wednesday burned about 150 acres.

Davila said the crews were coming under heavy air and ground attacks. A bulldozer arrived around 6 p.m. to help protect homes.

The Rose Fire burned several buildings.

No word yet on any possible injuries.

Davila said the retardant has been effective and the hope is that when temperatures drop at night, the fire will die down.

It is unclear what exactly started the flames.

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