Evacuations have been lifted near Cordes Lakes as crews continue fighting the Bug Creek Fire north of the Valley.
Update - All evacuation orders have been lifted in Cordes Lakes and residents may return. Thank you all for your cooperation.
— Yavapai Co Sheriff (@YavapaiSheriff) June 29, 2016
The Bureau of Land Management said some resources will remain on scene overnight, and others will return Wednesday morning to enhance containment lines.
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the fire had burned about 1,000 acres, including the backyards of some homes. No structures have been damaged, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office says.
#BugCreekFire Outflow winds from area storms are challenging firefighters, increasing fire behavior.
— BLM Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) June 28, 2016
#BugCreekFire Fire is now burning South adjacent to i-17 affecting the traffic that has been stopped due to the road closure.
— BLM Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) June 28, 2016
Northbound I-17 guardrail charred by #BugCreekFire near Cordes Junction. pic.twitter.com/IKtiU79Wgr
— Steve Elliott (@elliott602az) June 29, 2016
BLM officials said they are looking into the cause of the fire, which could be human-caused or possibly sparked by lightning.
The blaze forced intermittent closures of both northbound and southbound Interstate 17 on Tuesday. As of 8:20 p.m., one northbound lane had been reopened, but drivers were warned to still expect delays. Southbound lanes were reopened Tuesday afternoon.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for residents south of Stagecoach Trail, west of Cordes Lakes Drive and north of Antelope Road. A pre-evacuation order is in effect for the rest of Cordes Lakes.
Officials used reverse 911 calls and went door-to-door to alert residents. A temporary Red Cross shelter had been set up at Mayer High School, but was shut down at 9 p.m. Anyone who needs assistance can call the Red Cross 24-Hour Emergency Services number at 1-800-842-7349.
Stay with ABC15 for updates.
Andy Evers sent in this video of the #BugCreekFire while driving up the I-17. Send your pics to share@abc15.com. pic.twitter.com/JeWf0q5xVH
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) June 28, 2016
