Residents of the Gila River Indian Community breathed a sigh of relief as evacuation orders were lifted following the significant wildfire dubbed the Fall Fire. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the blaze, which was first referred to as the "Santa Cruz Fire," remains uncontained but has affected a smaller area than initially reported, burning approximately 407 acres.
After intially was said by officials that the fire burned through 671 acres, the Gila River Police attributed the ignition of the fire to a patch of brush situated between Santa Cruz and Cemetery roads. Visible by the Arizona Department of Transportation cameras on September 28, the fire was adjacent to the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway near the 17th Avenue exit ramp, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
The latest updates from the GRIC indicate that no structures have been compromised, despite several power lines being impacted and subsequently repaired by APS. Power has been restored in the affected areas. The evacuation orders that impacted Kwi Street and Old Well Road residents are now revoked, allowing community members to return to their homes.
"Since yesterday, we've been battling a large wildfire in District 6, the Fall Fire. Thank you to the brave members of our public safety for their actions in saving lives and homes in the area," the GRIC expressed in a statement provided by 12News. The fire's containment is still at zero percent, but efforts continue aggressively as the GRFD and other assisting agencies work to control the situation.
Amid the chaos, no injuries have been reported, and the cause of the Fall Fire remains under investigation. The affected area, District 6, is delineated by its northern boundary near the Ahwatukee Foothills and extends south to the City of Maricopa, adjacent to the Sierra Estrella mountains. This district is home to several villages and landmarks, including the Vee Quiva Casino. As crews persist in their fight against the elements, the community watches anxiously, hoping for a swift resolution to the conflagration that has disrupted their lives.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has also contributed to the efforts, sending a hand crew to assist the BIA with suppression, as seen in a post on X that revealed the fire initially estimated at about 100 acres. Residents from across the Phoenix metro area were encouraged to share their photos and videos of the blaze, documenting the event's progression. The situation is continuing to evolve, and updates will be provided as they become available.
If you’re seeing smoke in the Phoenix metro area - the Bureau of Indian Affairs is working an approx. 100 acre fire on the Gila River Indian Community, northwest of Maricopa. #AZForestry sending a hand crew to assist the BIA with suppression efforts. #AZFire pic.twitter.com/CfAKQtpS9I
— AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management (@azstateforestry) September 28, 2024
