SCOTTSDALE, AZ — As of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, evacuations for the Diamond Fire were lifted.
Fire crews started to battle the flames east of the Scottsdale city area, near 128th Street and Rio Verde Drive, Tuesday evening.
Great news - as of 7pm, evacuations have been lifted on the #DiamondFire. Residents in the area, please use caution as crews continue to work. Engines to patrol the perimeter overnight. Please do not enter the burn area. #AZFire #AZForestry #MaricopaCounty pic.twitter.com/p3b0ERLRva
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) June 29, 2023
On Wednesday evening fire officials confirmed to ABC15 the fire was human-caused and believe its point of origin is in the area of 128th Street and Ranch Gate Road.
Early Wednesday, fire officials said crews were "very successful" in the firefight overnight.
As of Friday at 7:45 p.m., the fire is 93% contained and has burned 1,900 acres. AZ State Forestry officials say the decrease in acreage from 2,500 comes after more accurate mapping of the area.
Watch the latest update on this fire from officials Wednesday morning in the player below:
EVACUATIONS & SHELTERS
Officials say about 1,100 residents were evacuated Tuesday night. Those evacuations were lifted Wednesday evening.
Residents are asked to still use caution as fire crews continue to work in the area.
On Tuesday, residents in the area and anyone near McDowell Mountain Regional Park were told to leave.
The updated evacuation zone from officials, as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, is the area of Rio Verde Drive to Jomax Road between 160th and 130th streets.
Cactus Shadows High School's shelter status changed as of 3:40 p.m. Wednesday. It is transitioning from shelter activities to a heat relief station, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until further notice. Officials say those needing shelter assistance, information, and contact phone numbers will remain available at the high school 24 hours a day.
Horses can be brought to Rio Verde Horse Association if shelter is needed.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park is currently closed and several area park/trail areas are also closed.
On Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help Arizona fight the fire, which at the time of the request threatened 100 homes, a fire station, horse barns, golf courses, and the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
For those in need of shelter from the #DiamondFire, an evac center has been set up at Cactus Shadows High School, 5802 E Dove Valley Rd. The Dept of Forestry and Fire Management has taken command of the fire. A Type 3 team with 200+ firefighters remain on scene. #WeCareforYou pic.twitter.com/d2C0bj7T2w
— Scottsdale Fire Department (@ScottsdaleFire) June 28, 2023
Diamond Fire Evacuations
— Maricopa County Dept of Emergency Mgmt (@MaricopaReady) June 28, 2023
GO! Evacuating N.E. Scottsdale/Rio Verde area due to Wildfire.
Rio Verde Dr/Jomax Rd/130th St/160th St
Follow directions of emergency personnel.
Shelter: Cactus Shadows H.S. 5802 E Dove Valley,
Information at https://t.co/kOJrO9ise1 pic.twitter.com/9iZ2vvj1kw
FIRE INFO
The fire sparked Tuesday evening and quickly spread east prompting evacuations of nearby homes. Arizona State Forestry said the fire is pushing south toward McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
As of Thursday evening, the fire is 60% contained and has burned 1,900 acres.
One secondary structure was destroyed Tuesday, but no homes have been lost. Officials are still working to protect homes and properties in the area.
The #DiamondFire is 30% contained tonight at 1,960 acres. Decrease in acreage due to more accurate mapping. Fire stayed w/n its footprint despite today’s Red Flag conditions. Lifting of evacs being assessed. Crews mopping up hot edges.
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) June 29, 2023
More - 🧵🔥 pic.twitter.com/GO1JFQdU1I
