Rose Fire near Wickenburg expands to 166 acres, US 60 still closed

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

2 2 minutes read

The Rose Fire near Wickenburg has grown to 166 acres and U.S. 60 is still closed as firefighters continue to battle the blaze, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

None of the fires – which have burned six structures so far – have been contained. However, the state agency reported that cooler temperatures overnight helped prevent the fire from spreading significantly.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

About 20 to 25 houses in the area near the Hassayampa River Reserve are still under threat, according to the Ministry of Forestry and Fire Management.

But the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management has lifted all “SET” and “GO” statuses for residents near the fire. A SET order asks people to drop a bag by the door and gather their family and pets to be ready to leave. A GO order means evacuate as quickly as possible.

When some residents were asked to evacuate Wednesday evening, they were advised to go to the Wickenburg Community Center at 160 N Valentine St. “You just see the devastation, and everyone is scared and scared. worried about each other,” Michael “Gilly” said. Pollard, director of local food and clothing bank Project SALT, in an interview.

He visited the Wickenburg Community Center to see how he could help those affected by the wildfire.

The SALT Project was hosting a “family fun night” at a local pool when people were informed of the evacuation orders. People left to help their friends evacuate, he said. Since then, demand for his nonprofit's services has only increased. “We're already helping a lot of people, but especially in times like this, when it's a big travesty,” Pollard said. “You have to think: everyone lost all their clothes. All they have is what's on their back. So at least they can go and get as much [of] free clothes [as] they need it, just to have something,” he said.

An excessive heat warning for the Phoenix metro area is expected to make fighting the fire more difficult. Temperatures in the valley could reach 107 degrees Thursday.

Late Wednesday evening, the Maricopa County Office of Emergency Management announced a “GO” evacuation order for residents who live in the Rio Vista Hills community, south of Wickenburg and along US 60 up 'at the Hassayampa River reserve.

About 150 firefighters were working on the blaze Wednesday evening. The fire was first reported by state foresters around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The fire could threaten 300 homes in the Wickenburg area and lead to the evacuation of 900 people, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Arizona has requested funds from the federal agency to fight the fire.

Lina Portman

Related Articles

Calangute residents protest against alleged illegal road construction

Pharmacist Saves Life of Teenager Who Arrived with 'Sore Throat'

Rocky outcrop, firefighters stop spread of St. George bushfire – St George News

Vermont State Police arrest suspect in fatal stabbing case in Massachusetts