Hazen Fire Rages Near Buckeye: 1,000 Acres, 0% Contained

PHOENIX — The Hazen Fire, ignited on May 2 near Hazen and Rooks roads in Buckeye, west of Phoenix, scorched 980 acres by the afternoon of May 3 and grew to more than 1,000 acres overnight, remaining 0% contained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center and FOX 10 Phoenix reports. Driven by heat, wind and dense salt cedar vegetation in a riverbed, the blaze has shifted north and northeast, with its southern flank too dangerous for direct access. As of May 3 evening, 54 personnel were assigned, bolstered by 85 crews including the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, local departments, Bureau of Land Management and aircraft for air support.

No evacuation orders are in place, but 90 homes remain threatened in the rural West Valley area, popular for its proximity to growing Buckeye communities and agricultural lands. Arizona Public Service crews monitored the scene with no power outages reported, while roads like Miller Road faced temporary closures to aid firefighting access, with detours available for locals. Officials urged residents near the fire to keep important documents and belongings ready for a potential quick exit.

Ground teams, engines, water tenders and air resources continue round-the-clock operations despite challenging conditions, with some overnight progress noted but the fire's volatility persisting. The incident underscores Arizona's early fire season risks amid dry spring conditions in Maricopa County, where urban sprawl meets wildland interfaces.