ARIZONA NEWS

Evacuation orders lifted for Freeman Fire, Arizona’s largest wildfire of 2024

Jul 15, 2024, 7:23 AM | Updated: 7:50 am

A split-panel image shows smoke from the Freeman Fire on the left and a locator map on the right. T...

The Freeman Fire, which started July 11, 2024, in southeastern Pinal County, is the largest wildfire of the year in Arizona. (Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Photo and Map)

(Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Photo and Map)

PHOENIX – Evacuation orders related to the Freeman Fire, Arizona’s largest wildfire of the year, were lifted over the weekend.

The Pinal County fire was mapped Sunday at 32,568 acres, with 65% containment, according to InciWeb.

The Freeman Fire was first reported Thursday night in the Black Mountains southwest of Dudleyville and northwest of Oracle.

Officials said it started after two lightning strikes ignited fires that eventually merged into one larger fire.

Willow Springs Ranch, which is about 2 miles away from the fire, was evacuated Thursday night as a precaution. Residents were allowed to return Sunday morning after conditions improved.

The following area roads remain closed to the public, except for homeowners:

  • Willow Springs Road at State Route 77
  • Willow Springs Road at Freeman
  • Freeman at Camino Rio
  • Freeman at Barkerville
  • Freeman at SR 79

Around 230 personnel were still assigned to the incident, with multiple hand crews, engines and water tenders.

Smoke from the Freeman Fire and the Watch Fire in the eastern Arizona tribal community of San Carlos were responsible for a haze in the Valley in recent days, according to the National Weather Service. Both fires are over 100 miles from downtown Phoenix.

This is an updated version of a story originally published July 12, 2024.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

Katie Hobbs southern border...

Danny Shapiro

Arizona Gov. Hobbs says she welcomes help as more active-duty military head to southern border

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is inviting more help at the southern border as more active-duty military are set to be deployed to the state.

4 minutes ago

The Phoenix Marathon is set to take place in December....

Lance Hartzler

Phoenix gets its first signature marathon in December

The Phoenix City Council approved the city's first full signature marathon, which is to include a full, half and 10-kilometer race.

19 minutes ago

This rendering shows what the Mesa Grandview Business Park will look like upon completion. (Photo v...

Serena O'Sullivan

Construction starts on 270,000-square-foot industrial development in Mesa’s Falcon District

Several companies related to the Mesa Grandview Business Park gathered with city officials for the groundbreaking of the industrial development.

9 hours ago

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning...

David Veenstra

CarMax hiring for new West Valley reconditioning and auction center

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning and auction center in the West Valley on Thursday.

10 hours ago

Emergency air medical base opens at Abrazo West Campus Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

New emergency helicopter base opens at West Valley hospital

A new emergency air medical base in Goodyear will expand the presence of life-saving care provider Air Methods, the company said on Wednesday.

12 hours ago

DOGE access lawsuit...

KTAR.com

Arizona to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

Arizona is about 12 states that plan to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Evacuation orders lifted for Freeman Fire, Arizona’s largest wildfire of 2024