NEW RIVER, AZ — Crews say they have completely contained the 10.5-acre "Wander Fire" that sparked in northern Maricopa County on Wednesday.
Forward progress has been stopped on #WanderFire near #NewRiver. Crews are making excellent progress. One more aircraft drop & we hope to have the I-17 reopen & evacuations lifted as soon as possible. #AZForestry #AZFire @ArizonaDOT @mcsoaz
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) July 3, 2019
Both north and southbound lanes of I-17 were closed at New River for several hours, though all lanes were back open around 5 p.m.
All lanes along I-17 near #NewRiver are now open. Please watch for emergency vehicles as crews continue to mop up from #WanderFire. And per @apsFYI, power has been restored to nearly all 1200 customers affected. Thank you for your patience. #AZForestry #AZFire @ArizonaDOT
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) July 4, 2019
Officials say Maricopa County deputies delivered mandatory evacuation notices to about a dozen homes on the west side of the interstate. Those evacuated were allowed to return just before 6 p.m., according to MCSO.
Mandatory evacuations have been lifted at this time. Roads are being opened, please proceed with caution in the area. We have reports of minimal damage to property at this time.
— @SgtJEnriquez (@SgtJEnriquez) July 4, 2019
Crews still on scene at I-17 and New River. #WanderFire is just about out, but flames got dangerously close to homes, about 10 ft away. No structures impacted because of how quickly crews worked. #ABC15 pic.twitter.com/LXwh6sv0Pn
— Jamie Warren (@JamieABC15) July 4, 2019
Officials say they have no plans to cancel the fireworks show planned for Wednesday night in nearby Anthem.
According to @anthemAZcouncil spokesperson, tonight's fireworks are "go for launch."
— Josh Frigerio, ABC15 (@JoshFrigerio) July 3, 2019
In part, "Daisy Mountain Fire Department teams are on-site with our special events team, and we work under their advisement. As of now, we are “go for launch” at 9:30 p.m."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
