AFM - Hazen

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The AFM - Hazen Fire ignited around 2:30 p.m. on May 2, 2026 (with official incident reports noting May 3, 2026), in the Gila River bottom, approximately a mile south of residential areas near W Hazen Road and S Rooks Road in Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates within the last 72 hours (May 10, 2026), the fire has burned 1,191 acres and is currently 87% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire grew rapidly upon ignition, fueled by heavy river bottom vegetation, specifically creosote trees and salt cedar (tamarisk). Salt cedar is a highly flammable, oily invasive species that burns intensely and produces thick black smoke. The fire initially exhibited fast-moving, wind-driven runs with short-range spotting and smoldering ash pits, making direct access difficult for firefighters.
Containment Efforts: At its peak, over 160 personnel were assigned to the incident, including crews from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, local fire departments, and the Bureau of Land Management. Firefighters utilized dozers, hand crews, and aircraft—including a helicopter that dropped nearly 20,000 gallons of water. Strategic firing operations on the eastern front successfully broke down the fire's fuel and slowed its spread. On May 8, command transitioned to a local Type 4 organization. Remaining resources, including engines and dozers, are currently patrolling the perimeter and mopping up remaining pockets of heat.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place.
Evacuation Warnings: No official warnings have been issued, though approximately 90 homes were initially threatened during the fire's peak.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for the area.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: While no official shelters were required for residents, a nearby equestrian center proactively self-evacuated its livestock and horses due to the proximity of the flames and heavy smoke.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• State Route 85: Initially shut down as a precaution, the highway remains open in both directions despite the fire burning closely along its borders.
• Airspace: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was established over the fire area, blocking all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, to allow aerial firefighting operations to proceed safely.

For more information, visit:

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM)
• Maricopa County Emergency Management
• AZ511 - Arizona Department of Transportation (For Road Closures)

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Hazen Fire.
Structures Impacted: While 90 homes were threatened early in the incident, no structures have been reported damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No school or major business closures have been reported in the area.
Notable Impacts: The City of Buckeye had to publicly address and debunk viral conspiracy theories falsely claiming the fire was started by Bill Gates or secret data centers. Officials clarified that the fire is burning on land owned by the county, city, and various local entities.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: Arizona Public Service (APS) de-energized power lines in the area as a precautionary safety measure. Some electrical equipment sustained damage from the fire, but electricity has mostly been restored.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Residents should adhere to all local fire restrictions and burn bans given the ongoing dry conditions across the state.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire has spread across parts of Goodyear, Avondale, Glendale, and the greater Phoenix area, worsening local air quality. Residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, are advised to stay indoors and monitor local air quality alerts.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment reaching 87%, incident objectives are being successfully met. Firefighters are working the remaining uncontained fire line in the southwest corner to achieve full containment. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management noted that updates will now only be provided if notable activity occurs.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Cooler temperatures and increased cloud coverage over the last few days aided firefighting efforts. While temperatures are expected to warm up, wind gusts are forecast to remain in the breezier 15 to 20 mph range, which is much more manageable than the extreme winds seen during the fire's initial ignition.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Hazen Fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation, though officials have explicitly stated that it is not weather-related.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid initial spread was heavily exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions across the state and extremely thick, dry vegetation. The presence of salt cedar—an invasive species that chokes out native plants and burns intensely—provided ample fuel for the blaze. Extreme fire weather conditions during the first 48 hours, including high winds, made early aerial firefighting and direct access difficult.

For more information, visit:

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM)
• Maricopa County Emergency Management
• Buckeye Fire and Medical Rescue Department