Evacuation orders for Aquila Fire in north Phoenix being lifted

PHOENIX — Authorities said Wednesday afternoon they are lifting evacuation orders issued a day earlier as the Aquila Fire threatened north Phoenix homes.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said residents who evacuated could return home starting at 3 p.m.

Progress of the Aquila Fire, which quickly spread after beginning late Tuesday afternoon near Interstate 17 and Carefree Highway, was stopped by Wednesday morning.

The fire was 50% contained by about 4 p.m., authorities said.

The blaze destroyed one home, according to Arizona State Forestry.

Crews from multiple agencies, including Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical and Glendale Fire, stopped the fire’s progress around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said. Nearly 900 acres were charred, according to officials.

The evacuation order impacted more than 200 homes from I-17 to 19th Avenue between Cloud Road and Desert Hills Drive.

A Red Cross evacuation center at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem was opened for displaced residents.

Cause of the fire is under investigation.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

Follow @KTAR923