CAVE CREEK, Ariz. — The Boulder View Fire continues to burn northeast of the Valley on Saturday.
So far, the blaze has torched more than 3,700 acres about five miles east of the town of Carefree and is 19% contained.
State forestry officials tell 12News they’re working today to improve fire lines and monitor heat within the interior of the fire.
Evacuations were issued on Thursday night and all "GO" evacuation orders were lifted on Saturday. The areas that were under "GO" orders are now on "SET" status.
And many homeowners who were affected are thankful resources poured in to help them and their animals displaced by the fire.
“We’re on the eastern side of the danger zone,” said Dirk Bergren, one of the many people getting help for his horses at the Cave Creek Rodeo Grounds.
Bergen says he lives too close to the fire to take any chances.
“When you look out your window and you see that big orange glow, it’s something else,” he said.
Since the fire forced evacuations, the rodeo grounds have transformed into an emergency animal shelter.
“They helped us unload, got us stalls, and asked us questions like can they be stalled together,” said Bergren.
The community organization Arizona Foothills 911 has been heading up the effort.
“This one was truly major, because it started in the middle of the night,” said Sunny Parker, the president and founder of Arizona Foothills 911. “Evacuations started at one o’clock in the morning.”
Since homes were evacuated Thursday night near the Boulder Heights community in north Scottsdale, they’ve been taking in displaced animals.
“We’ve had over 30 families here, but we’ve also sent families to a lot of other places,” she said. “…so, I’d say we have communicated and done things with over 150 families.”
Parker said it was a huge undertaking, but they have seen an overwhelming amount of support from volunteers.
“Our community has just been amazing,” said Parker.
The support they received from volunteers wasn’t just from across the Valley, but also out of state, including Miss Earth USA from Wisconsin and Teen Miss Earth USA from Texas.
“Originally we were going to help with a cleanup on a nature preserve,” said Bea Millan-Windorski, Miss Earth USA 2024. “…however, that’s part of an area that’s being impacted by the ongoing wildfire, so we diverted our attention to taking care of these refugee animals.”
Instead of cleaning up Bartlett Lake Flats, they’re helping those who need a hand.
“As an animal lover myself, I was like we need to go help these animals… I want to see all of them,” said Alexandria Wolfe, Teen Miss Earth USA 2024. “…and so, what we’re doing right now is mucking, help feeding them some hay bales, getting them some fresh water, grooming them.”
Their efforts and the help of all the volunteers is much appreciated by those coordinating the effort.
“They actually did it in the heat,” said Parker. “…and for these young ladies to be here from out of state and endure this heat, it’s pretty amazing.”
And those directly affected, like Bergren.
“Absolutely,” he said. “It’s good to see them pitch in.”
From here, he’s keeping his fingers crossed.
“…as prepared as you can be,” said Bergren.
He remains optimistic fire crews will get a better handle on the fire.
If you live in or near the fire area, you can check Maricopa.gov to get the latest info on the evacuation and pre-evacuation status updates.
As for how the fire started – it was human-caused, and the origin remains under investigation.
Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
- Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
- Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
Those in Arizona who have been affected by a wildfire or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.
Home Fire Prevention:
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.
“More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.”
First off, the authority says that every house needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. Every level of the home and every sleeping area should have a working smoke alarm inside of it to offer the best protection.
Appliances should also be used in a way that manufacturers recommend, since overheating, shorts and sparks can all lead to a fire breaking out.
Lastly, families should have an escape plan from every room of the house.
“Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot,” the authority said. “Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.”
The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.
How to prevent wildfires
With temperatures beginning to heat up, fires are likely to continue, but there are some ways that you can prevent them from starting.
According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, some ways to prevent a wildfire from sparking include:
- Make sure a campfire is out by dousing it with water, stirring it and repeating until it is cool to the touch when you touch it with the back of your hand
- Refrain from using a chainsaw or welding equipment during windy or high fire danger days
- Use proper burn barrels when burning debris, never leave the fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before walking away. Also never burn on windy days.
- Don't target shoot or use fireworks on state lands, as that is not allowed.
- Drivers can also help prevent wildfires with these tips:
- Do not throw cigarette butts out of a car window
- Check your tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can cause your wheel to touch a road or trail and cause sparks
- Never park or drive on dry grass or brush, as a hot engine can spark a fire
- Tighten trailer chains and other equipment so they don't drag on the ground and cause sparks
- Check your brake pads because worn pads can also throw sparks due to metal-on-metal contact
The ADFFM also has a mobile app that will alert users when a wildfire is in their area. The app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or in the Google Play Store.
And there are some ways to keep your home safe in case of wildfires, according to The National Fire Protection Agency. Those include:
- Make sure your roof and gutters are clear of dead leaves and debris that could catch fire
- Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles to prevent embers from getting inside your home
- Install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers that could pass through vents into eaves
- Clean debris from attic vents and install the 1/8 inch metal mesh on those vents as well
- Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows
- Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and other flammable materials from getting in
- Move any flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, plants, leaves and firewood piles
- Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches
The NFPA also advises keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches or less, keeping at least eight feet of space between trees, along with having fire-resistant construction on your home, including fire-resistant roofing and siding.
The NFPA also says to know and practice an emergency action plan with all of the occupants of your home in case of a wildfire, as that can save lives.
Arizona Wildfire Season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12News YouTube playlist here.