A fast-moving wildfire in the Gila River bottom has burned nearly 1,000 acres since Saturday and continues to spread with zero containment, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Officials said overnight winds and thick vegetation near Hazen and Rooks roads, west of Buckeye, continued to drive the fire’s spread, though the burn area has not been remapped since Saturday.
The fire remained active overnight and pushed an estimated half-mile to a mile north and northeast, moving through the river bottom in dense salt cedar.
Salt cedar can create spotting issues when embers are carried ahead of the main fire. The trees contain heavy amounts of dead branches and leaf litter.
A firefighter burnout operation along State Route 85 was successful with the fire holding on the west side but winds carried embers to the north and northeast.
A temporary flight restriction is in place and officials warn that drones or unauthorized aircraft could force firefighting aircraft to be grounded, slowing suppression efforts.
With wind gusts expected to reach up to 30 mph, firefighters are working to contain the fire to the north with additional resources on the way including a dozer, a strike team of engines and a hand crew.
This is a developing story. Visit westvalleyview.com for updates.