Stage Fire that shut down I-17 believed to be human-caused

PHOENIX — A brush fire that shut down Interstate 17 for most of Saturday afternoon is under investigation, according to the Arizona State Forestry.

The department sent 2 fire investigators to the scene and determined the fire was human-caused.

As of 8 p.m. on Saturday, the Stage Fire had burned 259 acres.

The fire was at 50% containment and there will be engines patrolling the area overnight.

As of 8pm, the #StageFire is CONFIRMED 259 acres with 50% containment. #AZForestry sent 2 fire investigators & determined it was human-caused, remains under investigation. Minimal threat to structures – overnight engine patrols. Fire is NW of #NewRiver #AZFire ⁦@BLMAZFire⁩ pic.twitter.com/k1f2fymE2s

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 3, 2020

More than 150 firefighters and multiple air resources were used to fight the fire.

Shortly before 1 p.m., the Arizona Department of Transportation warned of delays starting in Anthem as traffic was backed up about eight miles.

Around 3 p.m., ADOT said the backup on the northbound lanes extended as far south as Anthem Way and shut down the northbound lanes.

The freeway was fully reopened before 7 p.m.

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