Jones Fire: Crews gaining containment on blaze near Wickenburg

WICKENBURG, Ariz. – The Jones Fire has burned over 80 acres of land, and remains active near the Hassayampa River bottom near Wickenburg.

May 4 updates

Timeline:

6:51 p.m.

10:11 a.m.

Containment of the Jones Fire has increased to 66%, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said.

“For today, resources cont. w/ hazard tree mitigation & chipping ops from chainsaw work, along with strengthening previously established containment line. Engine crews patrolling along the fire’s perimeter checking for hot spots & interior smokes & flareups.”

May 13 updates

6:44 p.m.

9:14 a.m.

The Jones Fire is now 23% contained, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. The fire has burned 84 acres.

“Resources have re-engaged on the fire line this morning working to mop up remaining hot spots & strengthen existing containment line ahead of today’s winds,” the department said. “A dozer is working deeper into the interior moving around material to ensure full suppression of heavy vegetation & mitigating hazard trees. “

May 12 updates

8 p.m.

6:44 p.m.

Officials said the fire is 84 acres and 10% contained. 

12:23 p.m.

A community meeting on the Jones Fire will be held on Tuesday night, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Wickenburg Community Center, located at 160 N. Valentine.

8:56 a.m.

A GO evacuation order has been issued for residents on South Kerkes Street in Wickenburg.

8:28 a.m.

The fire was mapped again overnight, and has burned 84 acres, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. There is no containment on the fire.

“A night shift of engines patrolled & monitored across the perimeter – focusing on the SE/SW sides of the fire cooling hotspots,” the department said. “Today, crews will strengthen established containment line & monitor for potential flareups w/n the interior of the fire. As temps increase throughout the day fire activity could increase.”

May 11 updates

7:46 p.m.

Officials said firefighters stopped forward progress at 89.5 acres, but interior pockets are still expected to burn. Between eight and 10 RVs were destroyed. 

No injuries have been reported, but several RVs were destroyed by the blaze. 

What they’re saying:

Some evacuees said it is frightening with the hottest days of the year still ahead of us. Erykah Santana, her husband, and their two dogs, are some of the Wickenburg residents who may not be able to return home due to evacuation orders from the brush fire.

“We’re gonna have to wait and see. We may be going up and staying with family in town,” Santana said. 

Santana, who is wheelchair bound, described leaving her home Monday afternoon. 

“The police ended up coming and picking me up and bringing me to the community center and, unfortunately, that was also evacuated, so now we’re here,” she said.

Local perspective:

The Jones Ford Dealership along U.S. 60, is a main road between Phoenix and Las Vegas. It is where both lanes were closed to traffic for several hours. That traffic was diverted to alternate routes, with some semis choosing instead to wait out the road closure.

“Pretty nasty. You can see the fire department. They’re starting to quickly move people and resources,” Brian Jones with the dealership said. 

Santana said the chaos put her on edge for the summer ahead.

“I am a bit nervous,” she said. “We’re in an area that’s very dry and people aren’t always as careful as they can be with what they’re doing, and it is a concern for me because it is just so easy to start a fire.”

Evacuations

A GO alert has been issued. Residents on South Kerkes Street are being told to evacuate, Maricopa County Emergency Management said.

In a separate statement, officials with the American Red Cross said a shelter has been set up at Wickenburg High School, located at 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road.

Road closures

The fire closed U.S. 60 in both directions at milepost 111. The Arizona Department of Transportation says the highway has since been reopened.

Dig deeper:

According to the Arizona Emergency Information network, the “Ready, Set, Go!” program is a nationwide program that is adopted by Arizona’s 15 county sheriffs.

“The three steps encourage Arizonans to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening,” read a portion of the website.

READY – Prepare Now

Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community.

• Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.
• Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system.
• Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff’s office and public health department  on social media.
• Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations.
• Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
• Check with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY.
• Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations

SET – Be Alert

Know there is significant danger in your area.

• Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
• Grab your emergency go kit.
• Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
• Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.

This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.

GO! – Evacuate

Danger in your area is imminent and life-threatening.

• Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
• If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
• Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.

What we don’t know:

The cause of the brush fire is unknown.

Map of area where the fire is burning:

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