Cause of wildfire confirmed, investigation underway: State

Wildland fire crews are making progress fighting the Flying Bucket Fire.

According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the wildfire 15 miles southwest of Maricopa is now 50% contained, although it is spreading toward Hidden Valley.

The department also issued a correction last night, saying the fire had consumed 2,795 acres instead of the previously reported 4,100 acres. This is due to “more accurate (aerial) mapping”. a tweet from AZDFFM.

While it has yet to be determined what caused the wildfire, AZDFFM spokesperson Tiffany Davila confirmed that some form of gunfire was responsible.

“It was caused by a shooting and the investigation is ongoing,” she said In Maricopa Today.

Still on the way to full containment

The Southwest Coordination Center described the fire as a “slow fire,” meaning it is a “low-intensity wildfire with a negligible rate of spread.”

The department also said the fire could spread northwest due to shifting winds, endangering private and U.S. Bureau of Land Management properties.

Yesterday, crews focused on establishing firebreaks and removing potential fuel from about half of the wildfire’s perimeter, focusing primarily on the northern and southeastern borders. This doesn’t mean crews have put out the fire, just that its growth has slowed.

The thick brush and weather conditions continue to cause concern for firefighters. Although temperatures won’t quite reach 90 degrees, westerly winds are still expected in the afternoon and evening.

Authorities continue to expect full containment by Sunday.