Hazen Fire grows as invasive tree slows firefighting efforts near Buckeye

The Hazen Fire near Buckeye, Arizona, has grown to 1,138 acres and is now 45% contained, according to the latest reported update cited by local media and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

The fire first was reported on May 2 near Hazen and Rooks roads, west of Buckeye. It had grown to nearly 1,000 acres by May 4 and was still uncontained, before an update on May 5 put it at 1,049 acres and 10% contained.

By Tuesday, crews had improved the containment line significantly, but suppression remained difficult in the Gila River bottom because of salt cedar, an invasive tree that fire officials have said is complicating the work.

Reporters also said APS had begun work to restore damaged power lines in the area.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No new changes to evacuations, closures or damage assessments were included in the latest reporting.

The updated acreage and containment mark a clear improvement from the earlier stages of the fire, though crews are still working in challenging terrain as the fire continues to burn near Buckeye.