Brutal Heat and Harsh Terrain Ignite Massive Sand Stone Inferno

PHOENIX — Firefighters from both ground units and aerial teams are working intensively to manage the rapidly spreading Sand Stone Fire.

“The main thing right now is we’re trying to keep ahead of this thing because the fire is going to go where the fire is going to go,” said Stefan La-Sky. “So we have to anticipate where we think that’s going to be.”

La-Sky, part of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4, noted that the fire has expanded to more than 15,000 acres since it began last Thursday, likely due to lightning.

The inferno is being battled with various resources, including three type 1 helicopters and air tankers. “The heat and rugged, dry terrain are aiding its fast spread,” La-Sky added. Crews are laboring tirelessly to contain its impact.

Special attention is directed towards the small community of Sunflower. “We have a structure protection group assessing which structures are most threatened and setting up hose lines and big pumps,” he explained. High voltage power lines controlled by Arizona Public Services are also at risk.

Currently, no power outages have been reported. However, the southbound lanes of SR87 are closed indefinitely, and there is a possibility that northbound lanes may also shut down depending on the fire’s movement.

To better gauge the fire’s magnitude, an Infra-Red flight will be conducted later Monday night.