Wildfire Smoke Could Worsen Air Quality In Metro Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ — A wildfire burning south of Buckeye is raising air-quality concerns across parts of the Phoenix area as the blaze remains uncontained.

The Hazen Fire has burned nearly 980 acres in the Gila River bottom and remains zero percent contained as of the latest update from fire officials.

With gusty winds continuing to push the blaze northeast, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is monitoring whether smoke will affect Valley air quality in the days ahead.

The blaze ignited around 3 p.m. Saturday near Hazen and Rooks roads, roughly a mile east of State Route 85 and just south of MC 85.

By Sunday night, wind gusts pushing 30 mph had driven flames an estimated half mile to a mile north and northeast, officials said.

Crews completed a burnout operation along State Route 85 and have held the western edge, but the northern and northeastern flanks remained active and spotty.

No injuries or structural damage have been reported, and no evacuation orders have been issued, though officials say some residents may choose to leave on their own.

ADEQ officials note that air quality levels could drift into the "Moderate" range depending on wind shifts and fire behavior. Smoke, if it does settle over the Valley, would likely be most noticeable in parts of the West Valley, according to officials.

"It's the kind that can lodge deeper into your lungs, so that's going to be a bit worse for health potentially than the larger particles like in dust," said ADEQ spokesperson Michael Graves.

Officials warned that people with respiratory sensitivities do not need to panic, but should stay aware.

Those with asthma, chronic lung disease, or other respiratory conditions should monitor how they feel and consider limiting time outdoors if smoke becomes more noticeable.

ADEQ meteorologists anticipate potential relief later in the week as weather patterns shift and wind speeds moderate.

Residents can monitor real-time air quality at azdeq.gov and sign up for Maricopa County emergency alerts at maricopa.gov/1755/Emergency-Notifications.