Evacuations have begun in the Gila River Indian Community as a large brush fire threatens nearby homes. Dubbed the "Fall Fire," it has already consumed 100 acres. Many resources have been sent to put the fire under control. The difficult challenge of reconstructing the village in the wake of the disaster now faces the community, requiring substantial cooperation and resources, including homes for displaced people and assistance from federal and tribal authorities.
The fire broke out between Santa Cruz and Cemetery Roads, illuminating the West Valley with a thick plume of smoke. The smoke at the 17th Avenue exit ramp of Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway was taken by cameras belonging to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The extent of the fire does not impact highway traffic.
District 6 inhabitants are being ordered to evacuate their houses as evacuations are now taking place. The Gila River Indian Community website states that 2,310 people live in District 6. It's still unclear how many individuals were really affected directly by the fire, though. It is yet unknown what started the fire.
In the meanwhile, a tragic bus disaster on Phoenix's Interstate 10 resulted in one fatality and seventeen hospitalizations. About 5:30 in the morning, a FlixBus carrying 23 passengers crashed close to 7th Street. The westbound HOV and left lanes were blocked for many hours when the bus swerved off the left side of the road.
Although the most of the injuries were listed as minor, no additional cars were involved in the collision, and the police have not revealed the identities of the deceased or given specific information about the wounded. In a statement, the FlixBus firm stated that they are looking into the situation and that its bus timetables are managed by other parties.
The Phoenix Fire Department was among the emergency personnel that labored to clear the collision site and save the injured. Investigations into the event are still ongoing.