The Jones Fire burned more than 100 acres near the Hassayampa River bottom in Wickenburg, Arizona, prompting evacuation orders for residents on South Kerkes Street and surrounding areas on May 11. According to Maricopa County officials, the fast-moving wildfire threatened homes as temperatures rose, leading to the deployment of firefighting aircraft to slow its spread.
The fire prompted evacuation orders for residents on South Kerkes Street and surrounding areas, with Maricopa County officials issuing GO alerts on May 11. Earlier SET and GO evacuation statuses were adjusted as the fire situation evolved, with most zones returning to SET status or having alerts lifted by the evening of May 12. However, GO evacuation orders remained in place for South Kerkes Street as of the morning update on May 12, according to county alert messages. The US 93 to Zabel Mine Road area was included in the SET alert boundary during the incident.
As of Tuesday evening, FOX 10 reported the fire had burned approximately 84 acres and was 10% contained, though other sources cited the fire size as exceeding 100 acres by the afternoon of May 11.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter at Wickenburg High School, located at 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, where five people reportedly spent the night. Others visited the shelter for food, water, and phone charging, according to FOX 10. The Wickenburg Community Center at 160 N. Valentine Street served as a reunification point for evacuated children and staff. Wickenburg police transported children and staff from the Academy for Early Learning daycare facility to the community center in a BearCat vehicle, with parents waiting to reunite with their children. The Academy for Early Learning was evacuated on May 11 but has since reopened, officials confirmed.
The Jones Fire was first reported near the Hassayampa River bottom in Wickenburg, with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management confirming the fire’s activity in the area. Early video coverage showed officials describing the fire as fast-moving and “out of control.” Temperatures rising in the region contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, prompting the deployment of firefighting aircraft, including large air tankers and a water scooper, to slow its advance.
Road closures and utility impacts accompanied the fire response. U.S. Highway 60 was closed near Wickenburg and Morristown, with Maricopa County reporting the closure at milepost 111. Lane restrictions remained in effect on U.S. 60 during later updates. Additionally, Arizona Public Service shut off power east of U.S. 60, according to county alert messaging. Authorities urged residents to monitor local media and cell phone alerts for evacuation notifications and updates.
Evacuation efforts included the closure of Arrowhead RV Park on Kerkes Street, which remained closed throughout the incident response. Hassayampa Elementary School was also involved in early evacuation reporting but was not listed among locations with ongoing evacuation orders by May 12. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management held a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. on May 12 at the Wickenburg Community Center to provide public updates on the fire.
Maricopa County’s alert center identified the incident as the Jones Wildfire in Wickenburg, with official updates tracking the fire’s progression and containment efforts. On May 11, the county issued SET alerts and later escalated to GO alerts as conditions worsened. By 8 p.m. on May 12, most SET and GO statuses had been lifted, signaling a reduction in immediate threat, though officials continued to monitor the fire and adjust alerts as needed.
The fire disrupted daily activities in parts of Wickenburg, affecting residential areas, schools, and community facilities. The coordinated response involved multiple agencies, including firefighting crews, law enforcement, and emergency management organizations, working to protect lives and property while containing the wildfire.
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