Fire in Buckeye Burns Over 1000 Acres, Only 10% Contained

One of the first major wildfires of the year has already scorched almost a thousand acres near Buckeye, Arizona. The Hazen Fire began on Saturday May 2nd and is posing a huge risk to Buckeye and surrounding areas. No evacuations have been made at this time, but people living near buckeye should stay alert, and be prepared to evacuate if the fire continues to spread.

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Causes

Arizona has had a very hot spring, and very little rain. With hot water and dry vegetation, the wildfire has spread rapidly and is beginning to pose a threat to local wildlife and nearby people. Officials believe the fire was started due to unfortunate weather conditions and minimal moisture. As of May 5th, 2026, the fire is only 10 percent contained. Fire Crews are working hard to contain this fire and keep it away from residential zones.

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Affected Areas

According to the Buckeye Fire Department, the Hazen Fire is difficult to access because it is burning the bottom of the Gila River Basin. It started near Hazen and Rooks roads, east of State Route 85 in Buckeye, Arizona.  It is currently burning northeast and has affected nearly 1000 acres. According to Fox 10 Phoenix, Highway 85 was temporarily closed in both directions to allow fire fighters and emergency personal a chance to get into the fire zone. No other updates have been made.

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Fire Prevention

As wildfire season continues, what can you do to help prevent them? According to Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention, there are many things we can do to help minimize the risk of wildfires.

1.) Don't park your car on dry grass. Heat and friction from your car can ignite nearby grass and brush, and with recent dry weather, a little spark can turn into something much more dangerous.

2.) Check your lawn before mowing your grass or trimming trees. When you are trimming the grass in your yard, all it takes is a simple spark from your mower blades or saw blades hitting a rock or other objects and a wildfire has begun. Be mindful of what your equipment touches.

3.) Put out your cigarettes. A cigarette butt that is not properly put out can very quickly cause a massive fire.

4.) Keep brush away from your house. Make sure to keep at least 5 feet of clear space nearby your house to minimize the risk of it going up in flames.

5.) Keep an eye on your electrical outlets and circuits. Nearly 10 percent of wildfires start with an electrical malfunction in someones home or business.

The Hazen Fire may soon be contained, but the conditions that caused it are suspected to continue to get worse. Arizona firefighters are gearing up for months of heat, wind, and unpredictable fire behavior. For the rest of us, this early blaze is a reminder that fire season is a month's long reality that Arizona citizens have to be ready for. Make sure to keep an eye on emergency service announcements and do your part to prevent wildfires this summer. 

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