UPDATE: As of 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, evacuations were lifted for the Diamond Fire. Residents can return with caution.
Crews continue to fight the Diamond Fire that started Tuesday afternoon near 130th and Ranch Gate Road in North Scottsdale, and approximately eleven miles southwest of the community of Rio Verde.
The fire is burning through grass and brush just northwest of the McDowell Mountains. Multiple homes were impacted and immediately threatened, forcing evacuations.
The wind-driven fire moved quickly throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening. However, as of Wednesday morning, fire officials say crews were “very successful” in the firefight overnight.
Aircraft including Large Air Tankers, Very Large Air Tankers, a Lead Plane and Air Attack worked to help slow the fire’s movement. Eight loads of retardant were utilized in Tuesday’s suppression efforts.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park is closed as are some trails w/n McDowells. We cont. to hear from LEOs people entering areas closed off due to fire. We shouldn’t have to tell you this is dangerous especially if we need to order heavy aircraft. #DiamondFire #AZFire #AZForestry https://t.co/P2P6pDEeH7
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) June 28, 2023
#DiamondFireUpdate: Fed & state hand crews made significant progress overnight getting line around fire. Fire still est. at 2500 acres w/no containment. AA reports fire moved around overnight & poss. add'l growth. Fire moving S. toward McDowell Mtn. Reg. Park.
More info: 🧵🔥 pic.twitter.com/rYGPTAljuL— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) June 28, 2023
Regarding the #DiamondFire – Have been in communication with @scottsdaleazgov + other impacted parts of the district. @ScottsdalePD @ScottsdaleFire and @RuralMetroCAZ have done an incredible job and the situation appears to be well in hand.
— Rep. Alexander Kolodin (@realAlexKolodin) June 28, 2023
As of Wednesday morning, it’s burned 2,500-3,000 acres. It is 0% contained.
Due to the fire, the McDowell Mountain Regional Park is closed. Some trails within the Scottsdale trail system in the McDowells are also closed.