Brush Fire Forces Evacuations in Queen Valley, Arizona

QUEEN VALLEY, Ariz. — A rapidly spreading brush fire has forced evacuations in parts of Queen Valley, a community east of Phoenix, as emergency officials urge residents to leave immediately. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office issued a “Go” evacuation order for the southwest region of Queen Valley on Thursday morning, while the north and west regions remain under a “Ready” status, signaling potential evacuation.

The fire, dubbed the “Burr Fire,” prompted officials to open an evacuation center at the Queen Valley Community Center. Residents under the “Go” order were advised to evacuate immediately to shelters or stay with family or friends outside the affected area. The “Ready” status means residents should prepare for possible evacuation as the fire continues to threaten the region.

Queen Valley, located along U.S. Route 60, is a small community east of Gold Canyon and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The evacuation orders are part of the nationwide “Ready, Set, Go” program, adopted by Arizona’s 15 county sheriffs. The program educates residents on proactive measures during emergencies and outlines specific actions for each alert level.

According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AZEIN), a “Ready” status means residents should stay informed about hazards and prepare evacuation plans. A “Set” status indicates significant danger, requiring residents to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. A “Go” status signifies imminent, life-threatening danger, and residents must evacuate immediately. The AZEIN website warns that those who ignore evacuation orders may not receive emergency assistance.

Firefighters are actively battling the blaze, but officials have not yet provided details on the fire’s size or containment efforts. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. ABC15 is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.