Aquila Fire Update: Blaze Burns 900 Acres Forcing Evacuations In Phoenix, Several Structures Destroyed [Videos]

Several people were evacuated and thousands were left without power after a brush fire burned close to 900 acres of dry land in north Phoenix.

Arizona State Forestry confirmed Tuesday (June 23) night that the blaze, dubbed the Aquila Fire, which started in the afternoon along the northeast part of Interstate 17 and Carefree Highway, has burned 893 acres of land and it is zero percent contained. The department also confirmed that several structures were destroyed in the blaze.

“Fire GPS’d at 893 acres. One confirmed primary structure lost, multiple secondary buildings destroyed. Fire under investigation; multiple possible points of origin discovered,” the department tweeted, adding that the fire crews “stopped forward progress on the fire.”

According to local reports, over 200 homes were under evacuation notices and around 1,600 people were without power. In a statement, the forestry officials said the evacuated residents “will not be allowed back in until it is deemed safe to lift orders.”

Meanwhile, a Red Cross evacuation center was set up at Boulder Creek High School.

“A Red Cross Evacuation center will be open at Boulder Creek High School, 40404 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy, Anthem, AZ 85086, at 5:30 pm today in response to evacuations caused by the Aquila Fire. Those evacuated may go to the high school for information and assistance,” Red Cross Arizona tweeted.

Meanwhile, speaking to Fox 10 Phoenix, Stan Florez, a resident, said he was on his way home when he witnessed smoke in the area.

"I was on my way home, and the road was closed right here. I saw the fire, and my home is just on the other side of this mountain. Whatever happens, happens. It's material. I'm hoping that lives are saved. my families aren't home right now. I warned my friends up in the hill because they can't see it from this side, but they see the smoke, so they're getting prepared,” he told the channel.

Over 200 firefighters were battling the blaze and the cause of the fire was under investigation.