BY LINDA BENTLEY | APRIL 25, 2012

Brush fire most likely human caused

CAVE CREEK – A brush fire in a wash behind Andora Hills that started around 5 p.m. on Tuesday sent up plumes of smoke, which, according to Rural/Metro Chief John Kraetz, could be seen from as far away as Fountain Hills.

Most likely human caused, Kraetz said the fire burned approximately four acres. There were no structures close to or threatened by the fire.

Kraetz said it was a difficult fire to fight due to its location in the bottom of a wash, access issues and wind changes.

Rural/Metro brought in its special wildland crew to assist with the fire, which burned in an area of heavy timber and brush, thick with overhead branches burning and falling, as approximately 30 firefighters worked to contain the fire.

According to Kraetz, firefighters remained on the scene, putting out hot spots, until around 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The fire started right before a meeting at the Buffalo Chip was about to convene regarding the May 15 ballot question to decide whether or not citizens want to impose a property tax for fire protection services.

Kraetz put out a plea to the community.

Because Rural/Metro has a tremendous amount of resources that respond to fires, which often have limited access, Kraetz asked citizens, when they see a large column of smoke, to please stay home and watch the fire on television rather than try to drive to the location, which can severely impede their response.