Gila River community evacuated due to fire

Around 50 people in the Gila River Indian Community were temporarily evacuated Saturday afternoon when the Ethan Fire burned right up to their houses.

The fire began Wednesday after a lightning strike hit the Gila River area. From Friday to Saturday, the fire grew to 5,400 acres. Fire crews worked to prevent structural damage to the 18 homes that were evacuated, and so far no homes have been lost, said Bill Watt, a spokesman for the Arizona State Forestry Division.

The fire, south of Baseline Road near 87th Avenue, had moved east along the Gila River basin, fueled by thick vegetation, but a change in wind direction pushed the fire back to its original location.

The fire spans from near the Phoenix International Raceway southwest to the Gila River basin.

Those evacuated were expected to return to their homes Saturday evening. The homes are to the north of the fire in the St. Johns area, south of Laveen.

Earlier in the week, residents around 75th Avenue and Estrella Drive chose not to leave when authorities sought a voluntary evacuation.

Eleven people voluntarily evacuated and took shelter in area hotels on Wednesday night. They were able to return to their homes on Friday.

High temperatures coupled with winds gusts up to 20 miles per hour have fueled the flames. The lightning that sparked the fire was part of a thunderstorm that was among the first signs of this year's monsoon.

Crews are working to establish a fire line near a river crossing in the Gila River community. As of Saturday night, the fire was 30 to 35 percent contained.

Since there's no immediate danger to structures around the fire, Watt said concern had shifted to the safety of the 211 firefighters from across the Southwest who were working to quell the flames.

"The air temperature is also challenging us," Watt said, "and it makes it tougher for firefighters to keep hydrated."

Watt said there was no timetable for when the fire will be put out.

Crews will use four bulldozers to widen an area near the fire line in an effort to cut the blaze off from brush and other dry vegetation.



Reporters Samantha Hauser and Ali Pfauser contributed to this article. For up-to-date news, go to news.azcentral.com.