Scottsdale, Arizona (3TV/CBS 5) – Firefighters continue to fight the massive wildfires that raged north of Scottsdale on Tuesday night. Officials confirmed at a press conference Wednesday morning that the fires still range from 2,500 to 3,000 acres.
Tiffany Davila, a spokeswoman for Arizona State Forestry, said emergency workers were able to draw a line around the entire blaze, although the fire’s extinguishing rate remains zero percent. “With warmer temperatures this morning, the fires may reignite,” Davila said. “People in the area may see flames and smoke because there is still fuel left to burn.” The park remains closed on Wednesday.
Davila confirmed that troops are still trying to protect the home and that a nearby recreational area has been closed.Evacuation started last night remain enabled. This includes the area between Joemax Road and Rio Verde Drive and from 128th Street to 160th Street.shelter has been opened cactus shadows high schooland an animal shelter was set up on the Cave Creek Rodeo grounds.
On Tuesday, the state submitted an application for the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and late Wednesday morning these federal funds were cleared by FEMA. FMAG provides federal funding for up to 75 percent of firefighting costs, including equipment, supplies, field camps, and more.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office also monitors the area to ensure the safety of firefighters and residents and to minimize traffic passing through the area. One secondary structure he destroyed. About 300 firefighters work in the area.
Davila added that anyone attempting to fly a drone over the fire would be asked to stop, as all aircraft, including tankers, would have to land if the drone was spotted at the scene of the fire. . “Please, no photo or video is worth a human life,” she said. “This morning, we will take a proactive stance and if law enforcement intervention is necessary, we will.”
On Wednesday morning, Ian Schwartz of the Arizona Family said winds will reach 10 to 15 mph during the day, with gusts reaching 20 mph. A crew of hundreds of firefighters sealed the fire overnight to prevent it from spreading in the winds expected today. A Severe Fire Hazard Warning is in effect for most of central and eastern Arizona, including Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. Fire restrictions remain in place in most of Arizona, with the exception of some areas in the south. “Despite all this humidity in the last few months, fires are still possible based on all the fuel on the ground,” Davila said.
Captain Dave Folio of the Scottsdale Fire Department encouraged construction workers working in the area to take precautions when working around the dry, dead bush. “If you’re cutting steel, keep the hose line out and away from the brush so you have an alternative,” he said. “Help us with that defensible space. The bushes are thick, so remove them 15 to 30 feet away from your house.”
If you are in a safe location and have a video or photo of the fire to share, can be uploaded here.
The Diamond fire broke out around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday near 128th Street and Ranch Gate Road. Firefighters, Air Force support and other agencies are on the scene to put out the growing blaze. Tonto National Forest said it has more than 25 engines and multiple air tankers responding to large fires. About 250 people initially responded to the fire.
“Our local haymaker donated a ton of hay for us. Walmart on Cave Creek Road… volunteered food and water for police officers and those in need. and other volunteers who brought us food and water,” said Sunny Parker of 911 Arizona Foothills. “Everything we leave behind will be donated to wildland firefighters because we’re doing a great job right now to help them.”
Scottsdale Police said they have imposed traffic controls near the wildfires, blocking all traffic eastbound on 128th Street and Ranchgate Road. Some workers were evacuated from housing under construction in the area. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Capt. Folio said about 60 homes and 1,145 residents needed to be evacuated. There are also horse farms in the surrounding area. “We have our hands full tonight. Our thoughts go out to the people who live in this area. Our hearts go out to them. said Captain Folio.
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