Flying Bucket Fire in SW Maricopa County 50% contained after growing due to winds

PHOENIX – The Flying Bucket Fire, a wildfire in southwestern Maricopa County, doubled in size Tuesday after a day of high winds, according to state officials.

The fire was 30% contained after burning through about 4,000 acres in a remote area between Gila Bend and the city of Maricopa, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said Wednesday morning.

The Flying Bucket Fire had been mapped at just over 2,000 acres Tuesday morning, but high winds and warm temperatures helped the flames spread through short grass and brush.

About 100 firefighters were assigned to the incident Tuesday, with support from multiple aircraft, as crews worked to protect power lines in the area, about 20 miles southwest of Maricopa between state Route 238 and Interstate 8.

Additional resources, including two hand crews, arrived Wednesday. Hot, dry and windy conditions remained a concern for firefighters.

The fire was 50% contained as of 9:25 p.m. Wednesday, authorities said on X.

#FlyingBucketFire: 2,795 ac. & 50% contained. Containment primarily on west side of fire. Heat remains w/n drainages along N/NE side due to dense vegetation. Crews engaged along that side today & on SE corner. Overall, resources are getting a handle on fire. Hot, dry, & windy… pic.twitter.com/sI03D01YsB

— AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management (@azstateforestry) May 9, 2024

Containment mostly took place on the west side of the fire. Due to dense vegetation, heat remained along the north and northeast sides of the fire.

“Overall, resources are getting a handle on (the) fire,” the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said.

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