Wildfire burning through grass, brush in northwest Maricopa County

PHOENIX – A wildfire that broke out in northwest Maricopa County on Thursday spread to 2,500 acres, burning through grass and brush, authorities said.

The White Wing Fire started about 7 miles east of Wittmann and was moving north toward State Route 74, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

#AZForestry working #WhiteWingFire, 7 miles E. #Wittmann #MaricopaCounty. Fire is reportedly 60 acres, no road closures or values at risk. Fire running through grass and brush. Please watch for emergency vehicles. Multiple engines and #PhoenixCrew enroute. #AZFire

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 30, 2019

The fire didn’t grow overnight as firefighters conducted burnout operations, and it was 10% contained by Friday morning. Containment was up to 60% by mid-afternoon.

Crews continue to gain ground on the #WhiteWingFire burning east of #Wittmann. The fire is now 60% contained and has been GPS’d at 2,704 acres. #AZForestry #AZFire #MaricopaCounty

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 31, 2019

By around 3 p.m. Thursday, about 75 personnel had been assigned in attempts to contain the fire.

There was no indication any structures or roads were in danger.

However, crews have had to tell people entering the fire area to leave because of safety concerns.

Please stay out of the fire area! We’ve gotten several reports of people coming into the fire area & crews having to tell them to leave. This is an obvious huge safety issue & we have requested assistance from @mcsoaz #WhiteWingFire #ASForestry #AZFire #Wittmann

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 31, 2019

State fire officials have been concerned about elevated risks this season following heavier than usual rains in the winter and spring.

As the heavy vegetation from the rainfall dries out, it becomes potential fuel for wildfires.

[newsletter][/newsletter]

Related

The blaze next door: Firefighters prep for increased activity in ArizonaKimberly Yee leading Tom Horne in bitter GOP primary for Arizona schools chiefWarren Petersen claims victory in GOP primary for Arizona attorney generalAlex Kolodin tops former state party chair in secretary of state primary raceJay Feely projected winner in CD-1; Dem race still too close to callMark Lamb wins AZ-5 Republican primary, will face newcomer Elizabeth Lee