Drivers rolling through the West Valley on Saturday afternoon got an unwelcome surprise when a brush fire ripped through the Gila River bottom near Buckeye and shut down State Route 85 in both directions. Thick smoke cut visibility and sent traffic to a standstill while fire crews scrambled to box in the flames. No injuries were reported, and when the closure was first announced there was still no estimated time for the highway to reopen.
Where the Fire Ignited
The fire was first reported around 3 p.m. in the Buckeye river bottom near Hazen Road and Rooks Road, about a mile east of SR 85, according to Arizona's Family. The outlet reported that flames burned about six acres while crews struggled to reach parts of the river bottom to attack the fire directly. Smoke from the blaze could reportedly be seen for miles across the West Valley, turning a routine weekend drive into a haze-filled slog.
Road Conditions and Travel Information
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, SR 85 was closed in both directions with no estimated time to reopen. The agency urged drivers to check AZ 511 or the AZ511 mobile app for live road conditions and detours. Motorists planning to travel through the West Valley were advised to expect delays and consider alternate routes using I-10 and nearby surface streets.
Firefighting Response
Firefighters told Arizona's Family they were letting parts of the fire burn through dense river-bottom vegetation in areas that were too difficult to access, while concentrating crews and equipment on stopping the fire’s forward progress on the west side. APS de-energized power lines in the area for safety after some of its equipment was damaged, according to the station. No evacuations were ordered, but nearby residents were told to stay inside because of the smoke hanging over the area.
We will update this story as incident commanders and state agencies release containment details and announce when SR 85 can safely reopen. For current maps and camera views, check AZ 511 and official Arizona Department of Transportation updates on X. Emergency crews are asking drivers to steer clear of the area and give firefighters room to work.
