With fire northeast of Phoenix under control, evacuation order lifted

PHOENIX — With the wildfire burning northeast of Phoenix since Sunday night mostly contained, authorities lifted evacuation orders Tuesday.

The human-caused East Desert Fire, which has consumed about 1,500 acres near Cave Creek Regional Park, was 70% contained by noon Tuesday, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

The fire’s footprint hasn’t changed since Monday morning.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said that because conditions didn’t take a turn for the worse, residents subject to evacuation orders issued Sunday night were allowed to return home at 6 p.m.

EVACS LIFTED. At 6 pm, evacuations due to the #EastDesertFire will be lifted. Please use caution when you re-enter as crews continue to work & trucks travel up and down the roadways. #AZFire #AZForestry @CaveCreek_AZ @MaricopaEmerg

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 20, 2020

About 130 homes were evacuated, MCSO said Monday.

Red Cross Arizona set up a temporary shelter for evacuees at Cactus Shadows High School after starting one at Cave Creek Town Hall.

Residents who are cleared to return were asked to stay clear of fire crews still working in the area.

Cave Creek Regional Park remains closed, MCSO said.

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