SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Crews continue to battle the Boulder View Fire Saturday as flames erupted late Thursday afternoon and forced evacuations near north Scottsdale.
Residents of the Sunrise Desert Vistas and Granite Mountain Ranch subdivisions, from 136th Street to 144th Street and Dove Valley Road to the Tonto National Forest, have had their "GO" evacuation order lifted, according to the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management. That are is now under a "SET" order, meaning they still need to be prepared to evacuate.
The area that had been under a "SET" order, 136th Street to Box Bar Road and from Rio Verde Road to Dove Valley, is now under a "READY" order.
The City of Scottsdale has closed the north portion of its McDowell Sonoran Preserve (north of Dynamite Boulevard) until further notice due to the fire. The closure includes city trailheads at Pima Dynamite, Brown's Ranch, Fraesfield and Granite Mountain.
The fire has burned 3,711 acres and is 19% contained. The fire was previously reported as being 3,736 acres, but that decreased to to improved mapping, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
On Friday, crews were able to make progress on north side of the fire, which spread across Bartlett Lake Road, as hand crews and fire engines worked to keep the fire from spreading in that area.
Crews, using fire engines and UTVs, worked on the southwest side of the fire on Saturday to keep the fire from spreading.
Air tankers and helicopters also attacked the south side of the fire from the air and used a two-lane road as a holding feature.
The focus of the firefight on Saturday was on improving firelines and protecting structures, especially on the southeast side of the fire.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Incendio cerca de Scottsdale obliga a varios residentes a evacuar temprano, luego de quemarse 3200 acres y estar contenido en un 0%
Bartlett Dam Road both eastbound and westbound between Cave Creek Road and Horseshoe Dame Road is closed due to the fire.
A GO order to evacuate has been issued and is in effect for residences from 136th Street to 144th Street and from Dove Valley Road to Tonto National Forest due to threats from the Boulder View Fire, MCSO said. Residents there have been asked to leave now by fire officials.
A previous GO order for residents from 136th Street to 152nd Street and from Dixileta Drive to Dove Valley has returned to a SET position after being evacuated at 1:30 a.m. Friday.
The Scottsdale Fire Department said the fire began near Stagecoach Pass and Boulder View Drive.
Firefighting operations are also being conducted on the northwest side along Bartlett Dam Road.
Animal shelters available
There are four shelters available for large animals at threatened homes:
- The Cave Creek Rodeo Grounds
- Reigning Grace Ranch (28150 N. Alma School Parkway, Scottsdale)
- Arizona Equine REscue (16040 E. Rio Verde Dr., Scottsdale)
- Cave Creek Outfitters (31313 N. 144th St., Scottsdale)
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.
This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available.
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.
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.