The Hazen fire in Arizona had spread to 980 acres by Sunday and was zero percent contained, according to multiple reports. The blaze ignited around 3 p.m. Saturday, local media reported.
No injuries have been reported, according to the Buckeye Fire Department. A helicopter conducting water bucket drops was forced to land due to winds up to 30 mph, reports said. Four Single Engine Air Tankers have been used to target spot fires along the perimeter, officials stated. Off-duty firefighter Chad Gillam said prior brush-clearing work prevented the fire from reaching a highway bridge. Arizona Public Service said it temporarily deactivated power lines as a precaution, and most electricity has been restored, though some equipment was damaged. No evacuations have been ordered, and schools are operating normally, authorities confirmed.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. The department added that smoke and active flames are expected overnight and that full suppression is the priority to protect the public and property. Rising jet fuel costs—up 65 percent since February—have restricted the deployment of firefighting aircraft across the U.S., multiple reports indicate, with hourly rates ranging from $3,000 to $40,000. According to the U.S. Forest Service, its budget for fueling firefighting aircraft is $45 million, down from $52 million last year, but the agency said aviation fuel prices will not affect its ability to respond to fires.
It remains unclear what caused the fire, whether evacuations will become necessary, or when containment will be achieved.