A dramatic scene unfolded yesterday near Highway 84 and Sunland Gin Road as firefighters battled a wildfire that threatened several homes. Multiple Eloy Fire Department (EFD) units responded to the area between Eloy and Casa Grande and found a 15-acre wind-driven wildfire threatening lives and property.
Brush 522 quickly deployed lines and personnel to protect structures, while subsequent units attacked the fire from safe areas, while the EFD UAV established a perimeter. Firefighters worked through the evening to subdue the blaze.
EFD and Casa Grande Fire Department worked seamlessly to prevent any injuries or major damage to homes. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This wildfire season has recently seen other fires threatening homes in Pinal County as well.
Proactive Efforts Prior to Blaze
The quick response to yesterday’s fire comes after weeks of preparation by Eloy firefighters. EFD personnel have been spending the last few weeks assisting the City of Eloy with clearing overgrown brush on Frontier between Sunshine Blvd. and Sunland Gin Road.
These controlled burn operations not only help eliminate wildfire danger, but they also provide invaluable training for wildland crews before what is expected to be a busy wildfire season. The department acknowledged the support of city staff and Union Pacific Railroad who helped coordinate these prevention operations.
Drone Technology Proves Vital
This incident highlights the growing importance of UAV technology in emergency response throughout Pinal County. Just weeks ago, on April 9th, the Eloy Police Department successfully used their UAV Unit, Delta #1, operated by Officer Perez, to locate a suspect who had fled from officers on a bicycle in the area of the 200 W block of Alsdorf.
The subject tried hiding in a residence not belonging to him after officers attempted to stop him for a traffic violation. Thanks to the real-time drone support and coordinated teamwork by our officers, the subject was located and taken into custody. He was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center for Felony charges.
Similar drone technology now assists firefighters in establishing perimeters and monitoring fire conditions, creating safer and more effective response strategies.
Pinal County Fire Restrictions in Effect
This incident comes at a particularly dangerous time as Pinal County has initiated its annual fire ban, which began on May 1, 2025, and will continue until September 30, 2025.
Within these county-managed areas, the fire ban prohibits campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills, including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Gas/propane grills are permitted only in designated semi-developed or developed camping sites. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of Pinal County-managed parks and trails.
Additionally, during High Pollution Advisories (HPA), chimineas, fire pits, and similar outdoor fires are prohibited even with a valid permit.
Those who violate the fire ban may be cited under Pinal County Code Title 16, Chapter II, Section 16-20(j), titled ‘Fires,’ which could carry penalties up to a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Human Activity Drives Wildfire Risk
According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, in Arizona, over 80% of wildfires are started by humans. Wildfires can ignite and spread because of sparks from welding and other industrial equipment, campfires, and improperly maintained vehicles.
To reduce wildfire risk, Arizona residents should follow fire restrictions, monitor any fire until it is completely out, dampen the surrounding area before welding or using equipment that could spark, regularly service vehicles and ensure there are no dangling tow chains, and avoid driving/parking in tall, dry grass.
Fire Monitoring and Prevention Efforts Continue
While September 30th is the fire ban lift date, an extension is possible. Parks and Trails staff will monitor precipitation levels and vegetation conditions in the parks throughout the summer to determine if an extension is necessary.
As extreme temperatures and drought conditions increase throughout the southwest, megafires are growing more common in Arizona. According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, before 2000, major fires in Arizona typically burned between 20,000 and 50,000 acres. Today, large fires commonly burn 200,000 – 500,000 acres.
For additional details on fire restrictions and safety precautions, residents can visit pinal.gov and the National Fire Prevention Agency.
