Scottsdale Fire Department large-scale response curtails Gate Fire blaze
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
A fast-moving wildland fire erupted in north Scottsdale Thursday, Sept. 12, endangering homes and prompting a large-scale response from the Scottsdale Fire Department and regional fire agencies.
Despite the fire’s rapid spread, no homes or lives were lost, thanks to their coordinated efforts of fire fighters responding from around the region, City Hall officials tell the Digital Free Press.
In total, the fire scorched 1,008 acres, including 87 acres of previously burned land from 2023’s Diamond Fire.
Gate Fire: the response by Scottsdale public safety officials
The blaze was first reported near Jomax Road and 132nd Place. Fueled by strong winds, it rapidly grew to 25 acres, threatening multiple homes in the area. Scottsdale Fire Department crews were the first on the scene, immediately engaging in fire suppression efforts. Scottsdale Police assisted in the swift evacuation of residents from the threatened area.
With high winds and dry conditions accelerating the fire’s growth, Scottsdale Fire upgraded the response to a second-alarm urban interface brush assignment, drawing in additional units, including aerial resources. Agencies from Tonto National Forest, Maricopa County, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management were also called in to assist.
As the flames spread toward the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, fire crews escalated the response to a fourth-alarm fire, bringing in more personnel and equipment through automatic aid from the greater Phoenix region. Air tankers were deployed to protect structures and prevent the fire from advancing further into Scottsdale.
By morning, the fire had spread beyond Scottsdale’s borders into McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Command of the incident was transferred to ADFFM, with Scottsdale Fire continuing to provide support.
The coordinated response involved 23 engines, 13 brush trucks, eight water tenders, and three large air tankers. Around 175 firefighters from multiple agencies, including 49 from Scottsdale Fire, were deployed to combat the blaze. Maricopa County also sent a bulldozer, which played a key role in containment efforts, city officials say.
Gate Fire: The recovery begins
The Scottsdale Fire Marshal arranged the assistance of a third-party wildland fire investigator from the Sedona Fire District who determined that the fire was caused by work at a residential construction site. The investigation will be forwarded to the Scottsdale City Attorney’s office for review and potential further legal action.
Scottsdale Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon emphasized the ongoing risk of wildfires in areas where development meets the natural landscape.
“Our Sonoran Desert and dry climate make us particularly vulnerable to wildland fires,” she said. “While we can’t eliminate the risk, we can mitigate it.”
The department has implemented several preventative measures, including vegetation abatement programs, fire safety assessments and community education efforts through the Firewise Community Certification Program.
The fire was officially declared under control at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, marking the end of a nearly 30-hour operation.
Gate Fire: What can residents do?
As recent events demonstrate, wildfires can start and spread very quickly. Report brush fires immediately by calling 911 – do not assume someone else will make the call.
Residents who live in higher risk areas should mitigate the risk of wildfires and take precautions, so they are ready in the event of a fire.
As recent events demonstrate, wildfires can start and spread very quickly. Report brush fires immediately by calling 911 – do not assume someone else will make the call.
Residents who live in higher risk areas should mitigate the risk of wildfires and take precautions, so they are ready in the event of a fire.
Reduce the risk by removing things that burn and ensuring contractors work safely:
- Maintain a 15-foot “defensible space” zone around your home: a well-maintained area kept clear of perennial grasses, dead branches and thin, overgrown bushes
- Remove any dead vegetation on the ground an additional 15 feet beyond that for maximum protection (a total of 30-feet)
- Keep construction sites safe and free of combustible materials and ensure contractors limit welding and cutting to cleared areas
