Monarch Fire – A Close Call Near Wickenburg
By Brian Terhorst
On the morning of July 1, my wife Leslie and I headed for Surprise, AZ for an uneventful day of appointments and shopping. While gassing up at Maverik’s service station on the West side of town, I was vaguely aware of heavy winds whipping around me – then I smelled it… something was burning.
As we drove east on Highway 60, we spotted smoke rising in the distance. Thick, black smoke. Never a good sign. We passed property on the right that burned a year ago in the Rose Fire (June of 2024). Leslie pointed out some new construction on the blackened remains of multiple buildings, including the Engemann Family property (completely lost) and commented on the fact, “It’s happening again.”
Just beyond the town limits of Wickenburg, we came upon a scene of controlled chaos – the highway was lined with dozens of firetrucks, troopers, and heavy equipment already fully engaged in fighting a wildfire.
The scene was surreal as highway speeds were not affected – traffic was not being stopped or diverted – and soon we drove right into the middle of IT.
Out of an abundance of caution, we slowed, making sure to keep a keen eye on the road and avoid equipment and first responders working on the shoulder of the highway.
Flames were visible some 75-100 feet in the air, and dangerously close to the road. Quick thinking by (Wickenburg Social Co-Founder) Leslie as she opened her phone and started to capture video of the wildfire firsthand. I kept my eyes on the road, waiting for traffic to stop at any moment – these flames were HUGE and just feet away from us.
As we continued on, the scene grew. I realized that there was not just one fire, but several! The emergency vehicles and firefighters were dispersed in groups, attacking the fire where needed.
I remember being impressed by the scale of response, the seemingly calm demeanor of the crews, and the visible presence of commanders directing operations – all while semis and regular vehicles continued driving (though slowing) at highway speeds, right next to them.
-
- Crew look to their Commander for direction during the Monarch Firefight. Credit: AZDFFM PIO
-
- Superstition Crew uses chainsaw to clear brush and remove vegetation from fire path. Credit: AZDFFM PIO
-
- AZDFFM E641 Firefighter uses water to cool hotspots. Credit: AZDFFM PIO
We cut short our day in Surprise as an uncomfortable feeling crept in – our dogs were home alone, and although they probably weren’t in immediate danger, the direction of the high winds would undoubtedly blow smoke in their direction. We hurried back toward Wickenburg, assuming we’d need to take the back way into town via Vulture Peak Road.
Leslie kept monitoring updates, and after checking Google Traffic and seeing no road closures, we took a chance and drove back the same way we came.
To our astonishment, Highway 60 was still open – and the fire had been held to the south side of the highway. Leslie captured even more video on our return drive, showing the scale and effort of the ongoing fire suppression.
Wickenburg Social was among the first to report on the Monarch Fire, and Leslie’s video was quickly viewed, commented on, and shared throughout the community. In fact, her Facebook post reached over 135,000 views, as neighbors, business owners, and first responders followed the updates closely.
Leslie continued to monitor and share verified information on the Monarch Fire throughout the week – right up until the fire was fully contained and the evacuation threat was downgraded.
-
- Dozer pushing over a burned, hazard tree. Credit: AZDFFM PIO
-
- Monarch Fire morning briefing for July 2. Credit: AZDFFM PIO
-
- Red, retardant line can be seen in the distance as Firefighters walk along train tracks. Credit: AZDFFM PIO
To wrap this up: A fire investigation has been completed with the cause determined to be ‘dragging chains’. Piece of metal and chain were located along the highway where the 4 initial starts were identified. These 4 individual fires quickly grew together on July 1, becoming the Monarch Fire.
Dragging chains are a common cause for starting road side fires. If you are towing a trailer, please ensure chains are secured and will not contact asphalt, causing a spark.
We can’t say it enough – thank you to every firefighter, first responder, law enforcement officer, air support pilot, DC-10 tanker crew, bulldozer operator, and emergency coordinator who answered the call.
Your skill, speed, and courage turned what could have been a devastating wildfire into a powerful reminder of how lucky we are to have you protecting our communities.
Wickenburg is grateful. Arizona is grateful. We’re grateful.
Stay connected with the heart of Wickenburg – ‘Wickenburg Social’ – from wildfires to community happenings, we’re here to keep you informed.
Facebook: facebook.com/wickenburgsocial
Instagram: @wickenburgsocial
Website: wickenburgsocial.com