As of Wednesday morning, only one secondary structure has burned as the Diamond Fire continues in the northern Scottsdale area, which remains under evacuation order.

The fire near McDowell Mountain Park is estimated at 2,500 acres with no containment, officials said Wednesday, June 28.

Areas of evacuation are from northern boundary of Rio Verde Drive; southern boundary of Jomax Road; western boundary of 130th Street; and eastern boundary of 160th street. 

At 11:30 p.m. June 27, Maricopa County announced Rio Verde, Tonto Verde and Fountain Hills are not within the evacuation zone at this time. However, officials are encouraging residents living in the area near the Diamond Fire should be in “Set” position by being alert, staying aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials and considering voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. 

The Diamond Fire started Tuesday afternoon near 130th Street and Ranch Gate Road in north Scottsdale, approximately 11 miles southwest of the Rio Verde community. Approximately 1,145 residents were evacuated near the fire, affecting more than 100 homes.

An evacuation center has been opened by the Red Cross at Cactus Shadows High School, 5802 E. Dove Valley Road, and Cave Creek Rodeo Grounds, 37201 N. 28th St., has reportedly opened to give animals shelter as well. Many of the impacted properties house horses and other animals. 

The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife, is in the fire zone and, as a precaution has moved some animals near the edge of its property, marketing and development manager at the center, Jamie Haas Oliver, said Tuesday night. 

Scottsdale’s Fraesfield and Tom’s Thumb trailheads will be closed Wednesday, June 28.

Throughout Tuesday afternoon and into the night, the wind-driven fire moved quickly and is estimated to be about 2,500 acres in size.

Aircraft worked to help slow the fir’s movement and eight loads of fire retardant were used in Tuesday’s suppression efforts.

Efforts to contain the fire include hand crews from both federal and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire management working on the east flank of the fire to get around the head of it, officials say. Approximately 25-30 engines are assigned to the fire, along working structure protection along the southern flank of the fire.

Officials say they know of one structure that’s been affected by the fire, which is an “out building” — such as a shed, barn, or garage, on the same property but separate from a more important one, such as a house.

Three hundred personnel are assigned to the fire, including Scottsdale Fire and Police departments, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Phoenix-area fire departments, Rio Verde Fire, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s Task Force 8, which includes engines from around the state.