Wickenburg Says Thank You: Jones Fire Response Shows the Strength of Our Community

When the Jones Fire broke out in Wickenburg on May 11, 2026, it quickly became more than a wildfire. It became a life-changing emergency for families at Arrowhead RV Park, where multiple RV homes were destroyed and approximately 25 people were displaced. Public reports stated that eight to 10 RVs were destroyed as the fire moved through the area.

Wickenburg Social would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the firefighters, first responders, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Wickenburg Fire Department, law enforcement officers, emergency crews, Hotshot crews, Prescott Crew 2, American Red Cross volunteers, APS crews, and every agency and individual who responded to help protect lives, homes, animals, businesses, and property during the Jones Fire.

At one point in the response, resources on scene included two large air tankers, two helicopters, two Hotshot crews, Prescott Crew 2, and several engines. Earlier public reports also noted large air tankers and other aircraft helping support crews from above as firefighters worked the fire on the ground.

For those forced from their homes, the American Red Cross opened an evacuation shelter at Wickenburg High School, located at 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road. That shelter gave evacuees a safe place to go while crews worked to contain the fire and protect the affected area.

We also want to recognize the local restaurants, businesses, and neighbors who moved quickly to support those impacted.

A special thank you goes out to El Mesquite Sonoran Eatery, Deb’s Horseshoe Cafe, and Dillon’s Western for offering meals and support to those displaced, as well as the first responders working the Jones Fire. In a moment when families were facing uncertainty and emergency crews were working long hours, that kind of generosity matters.

We also want to thank local businessman David Stander for starting the GoFundMe Support Jones Fire Victims in Wickenburg. The fundraiser was created to help affected families with temporary housing and essential needs after the fire.

The Wickenburg Safeway team also stepped up in a big way, donating 20 cases of water and 15 cases of Gatorade to the first responders fighting the Jones Fire. That kind of immediate support makes a real difference for crews working long hours in difficult conditions.

To every firefighter working through heat, smoke, wind, and danger – thank you.

To every first responder helping with evacuations, traffic control, safety, and emergency response – thank you.

To the Red Cross and volunteers supporting displaced residents – thank you.

To the local restaurants and businesses feeding families, helping neighbors, and supporting emergency crews – thank you.

To everyone who donated, shared information, checked on a neighbor, helped with animals, opened their doors, or asked, “What can I do?” – thank you.

The Jones Fire has been a difficult reminder of the wildfire risks we face in the desert, but it has also been a powerful reminder of what makes Wickenburg special.