What caused the Maid fire in Arizona? Officials say blaze is fully contained after burning through nearly 1,000 acres
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: The Maid fire, a wildfire that recently ravaged nearly 1,000 acres in Arizona, has been fully contained, according to officials.
The fire, which was human-caused, began during the early morning hours of Saturday, November 4, 2023, on the east side of the Apache Maid mountain.
The fire was reported by a member of the public and quickly grew to 942 acres by Tuesday, November 7, per 12 News.
Despite the challenging conditions, including steep and rocky terrain, firefighters were able to complete burnout operations around the fire to control its spread.
What did the officials say about the Maid fire?
Maid Fire near Sedona fully contained after burning through nearly 1,000 acres https://t.co/h1FNbfA8JZ
— Kevin Stone (@kstonezone) November 13, 2023
Investigators have confirmed that human activity initiated the fire, although the exact cause is still under investigation. The fire was first reported on November 4, a few miles southeast of the Interstate 17 Stoneman Lake exit, around 120 miles north of downtown Phoenix and 15 miles southeast of Sedona.
Even though the fire has been fully contained, officials warn that it could still emit traces of smoke from smoldering vegetation. Firefighters will persist in monitoring the area to maintain containment, per KTAR News.
Which roads have been closed due to the Maid fire in Arizona?
Maid Fire 100% contained
— Coconino NF (@CoconinoNF) November 13, 2023
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Nov. 13, 2023 — The Maid Fire located just southeast of Interstate 17’s Stoneman Lake exit is 100% contained at 942 acres and may produce very small traces of smoke as leaves and small brush smolder within the fire perimeter on Apache… pic.twitter.com/cwFfU8CPFy
An urgent closure directive for the Apache Maid mountain, which includes sections of Forest Roads 620, 620D, 644G, and 9238J in the Red Rock Ranger District, is set to stay in place until March 30, 2024, unless it is rescinded earlier.
The fire was reportedly visible to motorists along Interstate 17 near the Stoneman Lake exit, as it was raging atop the Apache Maid mountain, approximately 5 miles from the interstate. Despite the visibility, the fire did not pose a threat to surrounding areas such as Camp Verde, Sedona, and Rimrock.