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.[1][2] 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.[1][2] 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.[1] 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.[1][2] 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.[2] Officials urged residents near the fire to keep important documents and belongings ready for a potential quick exit.[2] 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.[1] The incident underscores Arizona's early fire season risks amid dry spring conditions in Maricopa County, where urban sprawl meets wildland interfaces.[1][2]