AFM - Hazen

AFM - Hazen Fire Report - May 14, 2026

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 in Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona, near the intersection of Hazen and Rooks roads.
Size and Containment: Based on the latest updates over the last 72 hours, 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 invasive species that chokes out native plants and burns intensely. The fire exhibited fast-moving, wind-driven runs with short-range spotting, making initial direct access difficult for firefighters due to the dense terrain of the riverbed.
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 approximately 20,000 gallons of water. Strategic firing operations on the eastern front successfully broke down the fire's fuel and slowed its spread. Crews 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 are currently active. However, approximately 90 homes were initially threatened during the fire's peak, and law enforcement assisted with precautionary evacuations at a nearby RV park.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for the area.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: 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 was initially impacted but currently remains open in both directions, despite the fire burning closely along its borders.
• Residents are advised to avoid the immediate fire area to allow crews to safely conduct mop-up operations.

For more information, visit:

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
• Maricopa County Emergency Management
• City of Buckeye Official Updates

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.
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) temporarily de-activated power lines as a precautionary measure. Electricity has mostly been restored, though crews have been working to repair some electrical equipment damaged by the fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Residents should check local Maricopa County advisories for active fire restrictions, as severe drought conditions persist across the state.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire has significantly impacted air quality across the Valley, including Goodyear, Avondale, Glendale, and Phoenix. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality warned that fine particulate matter from the burning salt cedar can lodge deep in the lungs. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to limit their time outdoors and monitor their health.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment reaching 87% over the last 72 hours, firefighters have made major progress. Crews are expected to remain on the scene to monitor the secured lines along the flanks of the fire and cool any remaining pockets of fuel within the fire's interior to prevent flare-ups.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A low-pressure system previously pushed winds from west to east with gusts up to 30 mph, which exacerbated the spread of smoke. As the system moves out, winds are expected to slow, but temperatures are forecast to rise, potentially reaching 100 degrees, which will maintain dry and highly combustible conditions in the area.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the fire remains undetermined and under investigation; however, officials have stated that the ignition does not appear to be weather-related.
Weather and Climate: Arizona is experiencing consistently below-average rainfall and severe drought conditions, creating a highly combustible environment. The dry climate, combined with thick, invasive vegetation in the river bottom, provided ample fuel for the fire. High winds and low humidity earlier in the week significantly exacerbated the fire's initial rate of spread and intensity.

For more information, visit:

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
• Maricopa County Emergency Management
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality - Air Quality Forecasts