Meadows Blaze Alert: Fire Turns Out to Be Just a Smoldering Bag

First responders were dispatched to a potential brush fire near Sonny Road and Smith Drive, just south of the Maricopa Meadows community, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Upon arrival, firefighters from the Maricopa Fire and Medical Department discovered a smoldering bag in a ditch rather than active flames. The team quickly assessed the situation and smothered the bag with dirt to prevent any further risk.

“Thankfully there were no active flames when they arrived, and they were able to ensure it was fully out,” said MFMD spokesperson Monica Williams, confirming that the quick response mitigated the situation effectively.

Wind gusts of up to 16 miles per hour were reported by the National Weather Service at the time. Fortunately, the swift action of the firefighters prevented the smoldering bag from igniting the surrounding brush.

The cause of the initial fire remains unclear at this time, as stated by Williams during her briefing with InMaricopa.

Brian Petersheim Jr. is a crime and breaking news reporter for InMaricopa, having joined the newsroom in October 2020. He is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.