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

The Maggiore Group closed The Rosticceria for good and will host a pop-up version of The Mexicano a...

Kevin Stone

The Maggiore Group shuts down The Rosticceria in Phoenix, reveals new plans

The Maggiore Group shut down The Rosticceria in Phoenix for good as the Valley restaurant operator shuffles its deck following a kitchen fire at another location.

22 minutes ago

Trump Arizona rally...

Kevin Stone

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announces Arizona rally

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is joining the parade of national candidates to Arizona, his campaign announced Tuesday.

1 hour ago

Housing discrimination ad campaign launched on Oct. 7...

Serena O'Sullivan

Kris Mayes launches ad campaign to teach Arizona renters when they’re being discriminated against

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is launching an ad campaign to raise awareness about housing discrimination and renters' rights.

3 hours ago

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, former President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. ...

Kevin Stone

As early voting starts, presidential and VP candidates flocking to Arizona this week

As voters start receiving their early ballots, Arizona will be buzzing with visits from national candidates over the week.

6 hours ago

Wildlife eating Halloween pumpkin...

David Veenstra

Arizona wildlife officials warn about Halloween pumpkins attracting wildlife

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is warning residents that Halloween pumpkins attract wildlife.

7 hours ago

New LDS temple to be built in Queen Creek...

David Veenstra

New Latter-day Saints temple to be built in southeast Valley, will be 8th in Arizona

A new LDS temple will be built in Queen Creek, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

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.

...

Sanderson Ford

3 storylines to get you revved up for the 2024 Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals training camp is just a couple weeks away starting on July 25, and Sanderson Ford is revved up and ready to go.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Here’s how to be worry-free when your A/C goes out in the middle of summer

PHOENIX -- As Arizona approaches another hot summer, Phoenix residents are likely to spend more time indoors.

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