Goldfield Fire near Saguaro Lake causes evacuations, highway closure

PHOENIX — The Goldfield Fire forced the closure of the Bush Highway in both directions and resulted in evacuations after growing to about 1,200 acres Tuesday, authorities said.

Evacuations were issued in the areas of Saguaro Lake, Butcher Jones Recreational Site and for some estates at Goldfield Ranch, according to Arizona State Forestry.

Authorities allowed all residents of evacuated areas to return home Tuesday morning.

The Goldfield Fire crossed the Bush Highway near the Butcher Jones Recreational Site on Monday, authorities said.

#GoldfieldFire 1200 acres and 20% containment. The fire is moving NE away from any communities. Bush Hwy is closed between Hwy. 87 and Butcher Jones Rd. Hwy. 87 NB restricted to one lane. 4 crews, 7 engines and numerous air resources assigned today.https://t.co/1UDDFohsuF pic.twitter.com/S6hiDN0rTj

— Tonto NF (@TontoForest) August 11, 2020

At approximately 9:30 p.m., authorities said the highway would remain closed overnight.

Additional aircraft and ground resources were set to arrive Tuesday morning.

Fire crews were scheduled to work to keep the fire north of Butcher Jones Road.

A forestry representative said the fire was moving away from homes in the area.

Bush Hwy remains closed overnight due to #GoldfieldFire. Crews will work thru the night to keep fire N. of Butcher Jones Rd. & hold it w/n a wash. Fire is moving away from homes in the area. Add’l aircraft & ground resources ordered for morning. #AZFire #AZForestry @TontoForest pic.twitter.com/TYVvPKltmh

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) August 11, 2020

Around 4:30 p.m., the blaze had consumed about 300 acres after being ignited by a vehicle along northbound State Route 87.

Authorities said the fire was actively moving north and northeast fueled by winds and dry vegetation.

No other information was immediately available.

#GoldfieldFire mapped at 300 acres. Fire continues to actively move to N/NE thru dry vegetation & fueled by winds. Fire started by a vehicle, in the Goldfield Ranch area, along SR 87 NB. Highway restricted to one lane NB. Multiple resources assigned. #AZForestry #AZFire pic.twitter.com/hfs6AIhX1m

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) August 10, 2020

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