Evacuation order to remain in place for Whetstone fire

VIDEOS: The Whetstone Fire Department released new information about a fire in Whetstone that caused evacuations near Sanders and Bowers roads late Monday. Whetstone Fire Chief Sam Foster says the fire has destroyed three houses and several outbuildings so far. He said two people have been hurt. One person suffered smoke inhalation and the other suffered burns. Both victims were trying to save their homes. Whetstone Fire says the fire is about 20% contained as of this morning and crews from several agencies will continue fire suppression efforts today. The fire chief says the fire got out of control Monday night due to strong winds and the amount of fuel such as high grass and cottonwoods. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Whetstone Fire says residents should expect evacuation orders to remain in place today.
KOLD-TV CBS 13 Tucson

4 people displaced after house fire in Phoenix

Four people are displaced after their home caught fire on Saturday afternoon. Around 3:15 p.m., firefighters from Phoenix and Glendale were called to a house fire with heavy smoke and flames near 51st Avenue and Thunderbird Road. Crews arrived on the scene and quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading further into the home. Phoenix Fire says that all residents had exited the house before the fire department arrived. No injuries were reported, and the displaced residents will receive help from the Community Assistance Program. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
KTVK-TV CBS 3 & KPHO-TV CBS 5 Phoenix (AZ Family)

Fire bans for Phoenix and Maricopa County parks go into effect on May 1

The city of Phoenix and Maricopa County will initiate an annual fire ban for parks and mountain preserves beginning next month. The dual bans on open fires will go into effect on May 1. “While this year’s wildflower season was rather low-key, our team has noticed a significant amount of new vegetation growth within the parks from the spring showers. As the temperatures rise, this vegetation will dry out and quickly become an ideal source for wildfire ignition,” R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department director, said in a press release. “Implementing a fire ban limits the possibility of starting a brush fire, which could cause severe damage to park resources, threaten park visitor safety and pose a danger to nearby homes.”
KTAR-FM 92.3 Glendale

How Gilbert first responders trained extensively to help those with autism

VIDEO: After extensive training, Gilbert Fire & Rescue and the police department have become certified autism centers. Some families can be fearful when they have to call 9-1-1 as it can sometimes escalate a situation if a loved one has autism. But, that’s not what a family experienced when they called Gilbert Fire & Rescue. One Gilbert family witnessed the training's impact. Meet five-year-old Tucker Merriman. The little boy loves cars and playing in the sand. For Tucker’s mom, Sophia, their lives are changing every day, like any mom, but some days look different for Tucker as he's on the autism spectrum. "We miss out on birthday parties and things like that just because the crowd or the singing might be overwhelming to him. I think sometimes people don't realize that," Sophia Merriman said.
KSAZ-TV FOX 10 Phoenix

Firefighters from Yuma participate in simulated scenarios with firefighters in California

VIDEO: Local fire departments were put to the test by imitating real-life situations and scenarios. In Holtville on Friday, fire departments from Imperial Valley and Yuma participated in mock scenarios including air rescues, wildland training, and shelter deployments. Firefighters, new and existing, rehearsed in radio communications, hose deployments, and hand tools. Fire Chief of Holtville, Alex Silva, said these drills help build chemistry and readiness for the occasional curveball. "It's important because we have a lot of agencies in the valley and Yuma that we get together for fires and that's the only time we actually get to work with each other," Silva shared.
KYMA-DT CBS/NBC 11 Yuma

3 people displaced after attic fire in Scottsdale home

Multiple people are displaced after a ‘fast-moving attic fire’ at a Scottsdale home on Saturday afternoon. Around 4:30 p.m., Phoenix and Scottsdale fire crews were called to an attic fire at a home near 66th Street and Bell Road. Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. Phoenix Fire says that the residents and their pets all exited the home before crews arrived. “Our firefighters right now are performing salvage and overhaul trying to protect as much of the residents’ possessions as possible,” said Captain Kim Ragsdale, Public Information Officer with the Phoenix Fire Department. “We’re also checking for any hot spots. We want to make sure that the fire is out and we don’t have a rekindle into the evening hours.” No injuries were reported.
KTVK-TV CBS 3 & KPHO-TV CBS 5 Phoenix (AZ Family)

Range Fire near Florence burns 1,100+ acres; 85% contained

A wildfire continues to burn outside of a small Pinal County town this weekend. According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the Range Fire started on Saturday and has burned 1,183 acres near the Arizona National Guard Weapons Training Range along State Route 79, just outside of Florence. In an update on Sunday evening, officials said that warm weather has increased fire activity and pushed it east off the Arizona National Guard Training Range onto State Trust lands. The fire was 85% contained as of 8 p.m. Sunday and will continue to be monitored by aircraft. Officials said that due to safety reasons, crews had to wait for the fire to come out of the National Guard area before they could fight the flames. The department says 54 people are working to put out the blaze.
KTVK-TV CBS 3 & KPHO-TV CBS 5 Phoenix (AZ Family)