Update 5:15 p.m., June 3, 2024:

Thunderbird Fire District Chief Allen Alcott said state fire crews took over extinguishing the Sandhill Fire. Crews from Thunderbird and North Hidden Valley Fire District were released at approximately 4 p.m.

He could not confirm how much damage occurred or what caused the fire, but said no injuries were reported.

Alcott asked residents to be cognizant of ongoing county burn bans, especially with additional fuel and the dry, windy conditions this summer.

“We’ve got a lot of fires going and we’re hoping people will be a little more careful. Remember there’s a burn ban on all of Pinal County until Sept. 30,” he said.

Update 3:55 p.m., June 3, 2024:

Battalion Chief Bill Tavarez with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management confirmed the blaze, dubbed the Sandhill Fire, had burned about 70 acres. Currently, the fire is 50% contained, meaning crews created firebreaks and removed potential fuel from half of the brushfire’s perimeter.

Crews are currently monitoring the Sandhill Fire with drones.

Update 3:05 p.m., June 3, 2024.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office confirmed fire crews “made good progress” on the fire and residents have been returned to a “ready” preparedness status.

Update 2:34 p.m., June 3, 2024.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office directed residents living near Bowlin Road between Hidden Valley and Stonebluff Roads to be in the “set” fire preparedness position. This means residents should prepare for a possible evacuation.

Original story 2:07 p.m., June 3, 2024.

At least one home went up in flames during a brush fire in Hidden Valley this afternoon.

Multiple departments responded to a large fire around 1 p.m. when a large plume of smoke could be seen rising near Hidden Valley and Bowlin Roads, about six miles west of Maricopa.

The blaze appeared to cross Hidden Valley Road, leaving burnt trash and shrubs in its path.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.