Unprecedented number of fires burn in rural Maricopa

Volunteer firefighters in Thunderbird Fire District have battled a fire nearly every day this month, and dry conditions leave a concern for a “lot of fires this summer,” according to Fire Chief Allen Allcott. 

Allcott and his crews extinguished 22 fires in the Hidden Valley and Thunderbird Farms areas between April 1 and 26. Thunderbird Fire District was assisted by North Hidden Valley fire department, Ak-Chin Fire Department and State Land. 

“Together, we have saved more than a dozen structures from burning, and had no injuries to firefighters,” Allcott said. 

More than 80% of the fires this month were bushfires, according to Allcott. One of which prompted evacuations on April 12. 

“Several of them have an unknown origin,” Allcott said. “We’ve had some caused by people leaving fires unattended, a couple unintentionally caused by welding, or metal grinding, as well as people burning off yard debris while trying to clean up their property.” 

Allcott believes one of the biggest problems is people underestimate how quickly fires can metastasize.  

“They underestimate the rapid spread of fire, and how with a slight wind, it can really move fast,” Allcott said. 

The fire count is “well above” the fire district’s normal for April, with two or more fires some days. 

“With the overgrowth of vegetation, lack of moisture, and negligent burning, we have the potential for a lot of fires this summer,” Allcott said.