Cody Fire Forces Evacuations in Oracle, Claims Homes

ORACLE, Ariz. (13 News) – The Cody Fire has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of Oracle residents, including Chloe Jeffrey and her fiancé, Andrew Ahlbrecht, who lost their home to the flames.

The fire rapidly spread, engulfing the Jeffreys’ home within minutes on Wednesday afternoon. ‘We didn’t grab anything. Everything burned down,’ Jeffrey recalled. As of now, 1,100 people face evacuation orders, with the fire consuming approximately 1,300 acres and destroying multiple structures, though the exact number of losses remains unconfirmed.

Jeffrey and Ahlbrecht, who co-own Simply Sandwiches in Oracle, had to evacuate quickly. ‘Flames were shooting across the road, and we barely made it out with our dog,’ Ahlbrecht said. ‘We didn’t have time to grab anything else.’

The couple recently relocated to Oracle from Minnesota, moving into their new home just weeks before the fire. ‘We sat down at the end of the road and watched it burn,’ Jeffrey said. ‘It feels unreal.’

In the aftermath, support from the community has poured in, with local residents providing clothes and toys for the family. ‘I can’t believe the support we’ve received. It’s magical,’ Jeffrey noted.

Officials from the Coronado National Forest continue to battle the fire, while the cause is still under investigation. Crews from Mormon Lake and the Mt. Taylor Hot Shots have joined the fight against the blaze.

Despite their loss, the couple is finding solace in their community’s support. They plan to use a small playroom in their restaurant as temporary shelter for themselves and their baby daughter, Juniper. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to assist them in their recovery.