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Avondale Fire near Phoenix Raceway forces evacuations

Fire has grown to 980 acres with 80% containment

Posted 6/25/20

Over 30 homes have been evacuated as crews from multiple agencies battle a brush fire near Phoenix Raceway.

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Avondale Fire near Phoenix Raceway forces evacuations

Fire has grown to 980 acres with 80% containment

Posted

Over 30 homes were evacuated as crews from multiple agencies battled a brush fire near Phoenix Raceway, according to officials.

The Arizona Red Cross set up an evacuation center at La Joya Community High Scool in the southwest corner of Avondale Boulevard and Durango Street. The center at Civic Hall closed.

However, impacted residents have been returned to READY status, allowing them to return and shelter at home.

The Avondale Fire is 980 acres and 80% contained, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management stated via Twitter Sunday night.

" Fire line is holding in windy conditions," the agency stated Sunday. "No change in acreage."

The fire ignited the afternoon of Friday, June 26 and is west of the racetrack near 133rd Avenue and Indian Springs Road. The fire sent up thick columns of dark smoke that were visible throughout the West Valley and into central Phoenix.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office had issued a “Go” notification to evacuate for those in the area south of Southern Avenue, north of Indian Spring Road, west of 119 Avenue, and east of El Mirage Road.

"Remember to take water, snacks, prescriptions, identification, leashes and carriers for pets, pet food, and other necessary items for you and your family," MCSO stated via email. "Drive with care and follow the directions of emergency personnel."

MCSO stated about 30 people were evacuated as a precaution.

Avondale Fire & Medical Department Deputy Chief Ben Avitia said the fire was traveling east in the river bottom, with no immediate threats to structures. However, he said 32 homes were evacuated, with fire personnel providing structural protection. He described the brush as medium to heavy and very dry.

Mr. Avitia said no injuries have been reported and there is no information on what caused the fire.

Crews from Avondale Fire and Medical Department, Goodyear Fire Department and Phoenix Fire Department have responded to the fire. Mr. Avitia said 75 personnel are helping out, while Arizona Forestry said 200 resources are assigned to the fire.

"Crews will work into the night to suppress fire," Arizona Forestry stated via Twitter Friday night. "Fire in salt cedar w/n riverbed & is burning very hot & producing heavy smoke."

Chris Caraveo and Kelly O’Sullivan contributed to this report.