By Matthew Holloway |
Fire crews have reached 90% containment on the Jones Fire burning near Wickenburg after the blaze forced evacuations, destroyed recreational vehicles, and temporarily shut down portions of U.S. 60 earlier this week.
According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the fire remained at approximately 84 acres Thursday morning as crews continued patrol operations, hazard tree mitigation, and containment line reinforcement near the Hassayampa River bottom southeast of Wickenburg. By Thursday evening, InciWeb listed the fire at 90% containment.
The fire began Sunday and rapidly spread through brush, grass, salt cedar, and cottonwood vegetation near U.S. 60 and South Kerkes Street. Officials issued evacuation orders for portions of the area, including residents near Arrowhead RV Park and sections of South Kerkes Street. Additional neighborhoods were placed under “Ready” and “Set” evacuation alerts as crews worked to contain the fire.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management reported Monday evening that firefighters had halted the fire’s forward progress at approximately 89.5 acres, although interior hotspots and heavy vegetation continued to pose challenges for crews. Officials stated that between eight and ten RVs were destroyed by the fire, displacing multiple residents; however, no injuries were reported.
Temporary closures along U.S. 60 near milepost 111 disrupted travel in and out of Wickenburg during the height of firefighting operations. Maricopa County emergency officials also reported that Arizona Public Service shut off power east of U.S. 60 as a safety precaution while crews battled the blaze.
Most roadway closures were lifted Tuesday evening as containment improved and calmer wind conditions aided suppression efforts. However, portions of South Kerkes Street and areas surrounding Arrowhead RV Park remained closed while firefighters continued mop-up operations and monitored flare-ups within the burn area.
Investigators believe the fire was human-caused and originated in the riverbed area near Wickenburg. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management stated the dense salt cedar vegetation in the river bottom contributed to intense fire behavior and heavy smoke conditions, as seen in the Hazen fire that erupted along the Gila River bed on May 2 and is currently 93% contained.
Approximately 150 firefighting personnel were assigned to the incident, including wildland crews from across Arizona. Officials said crews focused on strengthening containment lines, extinguishing hotspots, and removing hazardous trees damaged by the fire.
The Jones Fire also prompted emergency shelter operations in the community. The American Red Cross opened a temporary evacuation shelter at Wickenburg High School for displaced residents affected by evacuation orders and damage to the RV park.
The Jones Fire comes as Arizona continues facing multiple wildfire incidents tied to dry vegetation and dangerous fire conditions across the state. The Hazen Fire, located near Buckeye, burned more than 1,100 acres in heavy river-bottom vegetation near State Route 85, prompting road closures, power outages, and firefighting responses involving more than 160 personnel.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
