Arizona Wildfires

Less than three weeks before the start of summer, Arizona wildfire season is in high gear.

With wildfire season well underway in the Valley, Phoenix firefighters are offering residents advice on how they can take steps to safeguard their homes.

A brush fire closed down Interstate-17 northbound near Camp Verde on Tuesday evening, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A brush fire burning in Glendale forced the closure of a major road on Tuesday, authorities said.

A fire burning about 70 miles east of downtown Phoenix destroyed at least two structures on Tuesday, officials said.

An evacuation order was issued Tuesday for some residents in Queen Valley as crews battle the Sawtooth Fire.

The Tonto National Forest issued a closure order on Monday in response to the Sawtooth Fire which had grown to 18,500 acres overnight.

An evacuation order will be lifted Tuesday at noon for Cave Creek residents affected by the Ocotillo Fire, authorities said.

The Sunset Fire shut down both directions of Interstate 17 on Sunday morning and continued to grow into the afternoon just north of Phoenix.

The Ocotillo Fire has burned 980 acres in Cave Creek and is 10% contained as of Sunday at 6:45 p.m., according to the Arizona State Forestry.