Queen Valley bushfire expands to 218 acres, evacuation order eased

Residents of Queen Valley, a small community about 40 miles east of central Mesa, have been returned to READY status as crews work to contain a brush fire.

The Tonto National Forest manager announced Sunday afternoon that the Whitlow Fire is now 40% contained.

The 218-acre Whitlow Fire is burning north of Hewitt Station, near Comet Peak and the community of Queen Valley.

The update continues, stating that “fire crews will continue to monitor and patrol the fire.”

On Saturday, the approximately 1,000 people living in Queen Valley were placed on SET status and told to prepare for evacuation.

The fire, of human origin, was discovered Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service reported low wind speeds in the Queen Valley on Sunday, contributing to the progress made by fire crews. The 5 mph north wind will persist throughout the day, then strengthen as night falls.

An excessive heat warning is in effect until 8 p.m. October 7 in Pinal County.