A freeway mishap involving a motorhome and subsequent wildfire briefly shuttered a portion of Interstate 17, as a motorhome blaze sparked the Ironwood Fire near Cordes Lakes, Arizona. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the northbound section was closed after the vehicle fire ignited nearby brush, causing rounds of ammunition to explode and exacerbating the wildfire situation.

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— Bureau of Land Management Arizona Fire Management (@BLMAZFire) June 15, 2024

The fire, which officials have named the Ironwood Fire, burned approximately 229 acres of land, and containment was estimated at 50%, as per Fox 10 Phoenix. One hand crew and two fire engines were initially assigned to the incident, the fire causing not only a local evacuation scare but also clouds of smoke which heavily reduced visibility around milepost 261. However, all lanes were reported reopened by the following morning.

While residents in Cordes Lakes were initially asked to prepare for potential evacuation, the Yavapai Sherrif’s Office later confirmed that evacuation was no longer necessary. "Fire was mapped late yesterday at 229 acres. Crews worked through the night and acreage is holding. Crews will continue working the fire today. Some interior smoke may be visible," the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Fire Management stated, as reported by AZFamily. Evacuation orders previously set to 'SET' status on Friday, were lifted and altered to 'READY' status by Saturday morning, signaling a de-escalation of immediate danger to the residents.