Rose Fire Burns Several Structures

The Rose Fire started around 4:00 pm, approximately four miles south of Wickenburg, on the east side of US 60 within the Hassayampa Riverbed. The fire remained very active throughout the afternoon. It jumped the 60 and is now burning along both sides of the highway. Firefighters worked multiple spot fires along the north flank of the fire, but they were able to catch and contain all of them. At the initial start of the fire, Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) were ordered and made multiple drops. However, operations reported the SEAT usage was ineffective as the retardant was not holding, so additional heavy aircraft, including three Large Air Tankers, one Very Large Air Tanker, and Scoopers, were ordered to assist. Engine crews engage quickly with structure protection to nearby homes. Four hand crews, six engines, a water tender, and a dozer are currently assigned to the incident. Additional engines and a Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) team are on order for the morning. The fire is still active along the northwest and southwest sides of the fire, west of the US 60.

On Thursday morning, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management will assume unified command with the Bureau of Land Management and manage the fire as a Type 3 incident.

Fire operations have confirmed six structures were destroyed in the fire. The Maricopa County Office of Emergency Management’s GO (evacuation) for residents who live between the rest area and the Hassayampa River Preserve on US 60. Residents not living within that area can return home. SET notification for the TB MT Ranch. Residents are urged to stay alert and have a go bag packed in the event of additional SET or GO notifications. Residents impacted by the fire can go to the Wickenburg Community Center: 160 N. Valentine St., Wickenburg.

The US 60 remains closed in both directions, and there is no estimated time of reopening. For traffic updates, visit az511.com.

Ready, Set, Go Updates/Maricopa County Office of Emergency Management:
https://ready.maricopa.gov/999/Emergency-Management.

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/azstateforestry