BUCKEYE, AZ — Fire crews are battling a large brush fire in the West Valley.
At around 3 p.m. Saturday, firefighters were called to Buckeye, near Hazen Road and Rooks roads, for a six-acre fire.
By 6 p.m., officials announced the fire had grown to more than 160 acres.
The fire is burning in the river bottom and is difficult to access, according to the Buckeye Fire Department. Due to positioning, firefighters are allowing the fire to burn through “available fuels in a controlled manner while maintaining containment lines.”
As a precaution, the Buckeye Police Department and Department of Public Safety (DPS) has shut down Highway 85 due to the fire’s movement and potential impacts of visibility and roadway safety. The highway will be closed for the “foreseeable future.”
Arizona Public Service (APS) has de-energized power lines in the area as a safety measure. Some damage to electrical infrastructure has been sustained; however, the extent of outages is currently unknown.
No evacuations have been ordered; however, nearby residents are advised to shelter in place.
No other details have been provided at this time.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.