A wildfire known as the Hazen Fire burned 980 acres near Buckeye, Arizona, as of May 4, officials said. The fast-moving brush fire, which started May 2 in the Gila River bottom near Highway 85, remained 0% contained due to difficult terrain and dense vegetation complicating firefighting efforts.
The fire, which ignited around 2:30 p.m. on May 2 in a riverbed near Buckeye, Arizona, expanded rapidly from an initial 6 acres to more than 270 acres by 7 p.m. that same day, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
As of May 4, the blaze has consumed 980 acres and remained 0% contained due to challenging terrain and dense vegetation, officials said.
Located in the Gila River bottom near State Route 85, the fire is burning in an area characterized by dense salt cedar and creosote trees, which have fueled its swift spread. The southern flank of the fire remains inaccessible to crews because of the dangerous terrain and the thick river bottom vegetation, complicating direct firefighting efforts, sources confirmed. Windy conditions, particularly those that intensified Sunday evening, have further hampered containment strategies, officials added.
Firefighters assigned to the incident, including 54 personnel from multiple West Valley agencies, are employing a controlled burn tactic. This approach allows the fire to consume available fuels while maintaining established containment lines, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Fire crews are closely monitoring high-risk areas from a safe distance, as direct access to some parts of the fire remains too hazardous. The Buckeye Fire Department is coordinating local firefighting operations, with support from additional teams responding across the region.
No mandatory evacuations have been issued as of May 4, but officials noted that approximately 90 homes remain threatened by the fire. Residents in the area may choose to evacuate voluntarily based on their comfort level, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, which is responsible for issuing any evacuation orders. There have been no reports of damage to homes or structures at this time.
To ensure the safety of firefighting personnel and operations, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire zone. The restriction prohibits all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, from entering the area, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. Residents have been advised to avoid State Route 85 and Haasan Road to minimize interference with emergency response activities.
The cause of the Hazen Fire remains under investigation, with officials continuing to gather information. The fire was active overnight on May 3-4, moving through the river bottom and consuming hundreds of acres as crews held containment lines despite limited direct access. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management leads the response efforts, coordinating closely with local agencies to manage the incident and protect the surrounding communities.
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