Crews progress toward containment on Siphon Fire near Apache Junction, evacuation orders lifted
Sep 15, 2024, 5:30 PM | Updated: 5:55 pm
PHOENIX — Authorities lifted evacuation orders on Sunday for the community of Tortilla Flat near Canyon Lake, east of metro Phoenix, after the Siphon Fire threatened the area.
In addition to the area returning to “READY” status, Highway 88 was also reopened on Sunday.
The Siphon Fire was discovered in the Superstition Wilderness east of Apache Junction on Tuesday.
The incident footprint was estimated at 15,876 acres with 27% containment on Sunday morning, according to Tonto National Forest officials. Containment was at 0% on Saturday.
After being on “SET” status, the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management announced on Saturday that portions of Apache Junction in Pinal County had moved to “READY” status. Specifically, residents east of Mountain View Road, west of the Tonto National Forest, and between Broadway Road to Lost Dutchman State Park were to be alert.
The department put the Tortilla Flat/Canyon Lake area in the “GO” status of the state’s warning system around 11 a.m. on Thursday, indicating that danger is imminent.
#SiphonFire morning update:
Fire officials have estimated the #SiphonFire at approximately 15,876 acres with 0% containment. Yesterday, super scoopers conducted water drops to limit the spread of the fire near Weaver’s Needle as the southeast side of the fire was active. pic.twitter.com/sMgbF7pK9w
— Tonto National Forest (@TontoForest) September 14, 2024
To fight the wildfire, resources used have been a Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, a suppression module, two engines and a Type 1 Helicopter. Additional resources were also ordered.
The rugged terrain of the area made it difficult for ground resources to safely access the fire.
Tortilla Flat is about 2 miles southeast of Canyon Lake and approximately 55 miles east of downtown Phoenix.
The town was established as a stagecoach stop in 1904. It’s now a tourist destination known for its rustic charm.
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Wildfire impact goes beyond evacuation orders
In addition to the evacuations, the Lost Dutchman State Park northeast of Apache Junction was closed due to the fire.
According to the park’s website, it would remain closed through Sunday at 6 a.m. due to the fire while all Tonto National Forest trails would remain closed until further notice.
On Wednesday, the public was advised to avoid the First Water, Boulder and Siphon trails as well as Forest Road 78.
It wasn’t immediately clear why the warnings were upgraded to evacuation orders.
The Siphon Fire was caused by humans, although details are currently under investigation, according to InciWeb.
