ARIZONA NEWS

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.


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.

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.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

An April 26, 2024, pro-Palestine protest at Arizona State University led to 68 people being charged...

Kevin Stone

68 people charged with trespassing related to April pro-Palestine protest at ASU

Dozens of people involved in an April pro-Palestine protest at Arizona State University in Tempe have been officially charged with trespassing.

36 minutes ago

Arizona Senate debate to start at 6 p.m. on WednesdayArizona Senate debate to start at 6 p.m. on We...

Serena O'Sullivan

What Arizona voters can expect from Senate debate between Kari Lake and Ruben Gallego

Political rivals Republican Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego will face each other at the Arizona Senate debate on Wednesday night.

1 hour ago

Mesa mayor debate...

Kevin Stone

Mesa mayor candidates share visions for future of state’s 3rd-largest city in congenial debate

Former Mayor Scott Smith and current Councilman Mark Freeman met in a Mesa mayor debate on Tuesday, sharing their visions for the city's future.

3 hours ago

Phoenix Children's reaches agreement with Aetna...

David Veenstra

Phoenix Children’s ranked 3rd best children’s hospital in southwest U.S.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital was named one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation for the 14th straight year.

4 hours ago

Sammy Hagar is selling his 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari at the fall Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction....

Kevin Stone

Rare celebrity-owned cars hitting block at 1st fall Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction

Rare cars owned by boxer Canelo Alvarez and rocker Sammy Hagar will be on the block this week at the inaugural fall Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction.

7 hours ago

An ASU study found how extreme heat affects daily lives and what policy changes can be implemented....

Roxanne De La Rosa

Findings from an ASU study show how extreme heat impacts daily lives

An ASU study found how extreme heat affects daily lives and what policy changes can be implemented.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

Here’s how to save money on retirement planning

PHOENIX -- With inflation still going on, people planning on retiring still face many issues on when they can retire and how much money they need to achieve it.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

It wouldn’t hurt to get your AC checked after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

A well-maintained air conditioning unit is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat in Arizona.

Crews progress toward containment on Siphon Fire near Apache Junction, evacuation orders lifted