PHOENIX — The Bush Fire is burning northeast of the Valley and is now the largest fire burning in the country, according to geographical data.
Evacuations have been put in place, as well as road restrictions, due to the fast-moving blaze. Fire officials tweeted that evacuation orders for those living from Jake's Corner to Tonto Basin have been lifted as of Sunday, June 21.
Roadblocks remain in effect on State Route 87 at the State Route 188 Junction (Beeline Highway at the Roosevelt Lake turn off) and on State Route 188 at the State Route 88 junction (Roosevelt Dam). Only residents who provide proof of residency will be allowed to return to their homes.
RELATED: Bush Fire in Arizona now largest active burning wildfire in U.S., data shows
BUSH FIRE FAST FACTS:
SIZE: 193,455 acres
CONTAINMENT: 98%
LOCATION: Near the intersection of Bush Hwy and Hwy 87
EVACUATIONS: Tonto Basin/Punkin Center, Sunflower, Apache Lake and all residents and businesses on Highway 188 from Punkin Center to the 188 - Highway 87 Junction, to include Jakes Corner, Pioneer Pass, Brownsville, and Slate Creek evacuated
START DATE: June 13, 2020
CAUSE: Human-caused, vehicle fire
On Wednesday night, officials said to protect firefighter safety, Arizona Public Service is prepared to de-energize electrical distribution service lines to customers in the Tonto Basin community.
If that happens, customers south of Jake’s Corner could possibly be without electricity for an extended period of time. Officials say service to customers would not be restored until firefighters deem the area safe to enter and APS crews can complete any needed repairs.
