Portion of Apache Junction in ‘set - be alert’ evacuation status for Siphon Fire

A section of Apache Junction is at the "set - be alert" status for evacuation due to the Siphon wildfire in in the Superstition Wilderness, Pinal County stated on Facebook @pinalcountybos.

“Residents east of Mountain View Road, west of the Tonto National Forest, between Broadway Road to Lost Dutchman State Park have been placed in “SET - Be Alert” status,” it states. “Stay alert for further instructions from first responders. Be prepared to evacuate.”

State Route 88 eastbound is closed in Apache Junction due to the Siphon Fire, according to an Arizona Department of Transportation post after 1 p.m. Sept. 12 on X by @ArizonaDOT.

Anyone needing a place for large animals due to evacuation orders from the Siphon Fire should contact the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department to get checked in as the city’s rodeo grounds are available, Apache Junction Councilman Darryl Cross said in a Facebook post @darryl.cross.7773.

The parks and recreation phone number is 480-983-2181 and the rodeo grounds is at 1590 E. Lost Dutchman Blvd.

The Siphon Fire has burned 2,350 acres in remote terrain in the Superstition Wilderness northeast of Apache Junction, with zero percent containment, officials said.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is evacuating the Canyon Lake/Tortilla Flat area due to the Siphon wildfire, according to Maricopa County Emergency Management.

“GO! MCSO is evacuating Canyon Lake/Tortilla Flat area due to Siphon Wildfire. Info at Maricopa.gov. Take prescriptions, water, snacks, identification and pets. Avoid this area & follow directions of emergency personnel,” it states at @MaricopaReady.

When the fire started Sept. 10, it was visible from surrounding communities, Lost Dutchman State Park, State Route 88 and U.S. Highway 60, the U.S. Forest Service stated.