A rapidly spreading wildfire dubbed the Rose Fire has prompted evacuations south of Wickenburg, Arizona, and led to significant disruptions including a freeway closure and property damage, according to officials.

Evacuations and Threatened Homes

Residents in the Rio Vista Hills community along the U.S. 60 have been issued mandatory evacuation orders, as confirmed by Tiffany Davila from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Approximately 100 homes in the area are currently under threat. The nearby community of Turtleback Mountain Ranch has been advised to prepare for potential evacuation, according to announcements from the Wickenburg Police Department.

Freeway Closure and Emergency Response

The Wickenburg Police Department has implemented a closure along a five-mile stretch of the U.S. 60 between 288th Avenue and State Route 74, impacting travel between Wickenburg and Morristown. This measure was deemed necessary after flames from the wildfire crossed the freeway, intensifying the firefighting efforts primarily focused on the northwest and southwest sides of the blaze.

The Red Cross is mobilizing resources to establish an evacuation center at the Wickenburg Community Center, offering support to displaced residents affected by the ongoing emergency.

Fire Details and Response Efforts

Originating in the Hassayampa River bottom on Wednesday afternoon, the Rose Fire has scorched approximately 200 acres of land, predominantly fueled by salt cedar, grass, and brush. Firefighting efforts have been aggressive, utilizing aerial and ground support, including the deployment of a dozer to bolster defenses around threatened properties.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that four homes have already succumbed to the blaze, although there have been no reports of injuries at this time. Despite the concerted efforts, challenges persist due to the ineffectiveness of some retardant drops and unfavorable weather conditions hindering containment efforts.

Conclusion: Monitoring the Situation

Authorities continue to monitor and manage the Rose Fire as it poses ongoing threats to communities and critical infrastructure in the vicinity of Wickenburg and Morristown. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to evacuation orders as issued for their safety and well-being.

For real-time updates and further developments on the Rose Fire, download The Local News App to receive alerts directly to your mobile device.

By Diego Sanchez

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