Large Fire Breaks Out Near Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Smoke plumes seen in north Phoenix as firefighters respond to the scene.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Large clouds of dark smoke were seen billowing near the Phoenix Mountains Preserve on Monday afternoon. Pictures taken by 12News show a fire had broken out around noon near Cave Creek and Cactus roads in north Phoenix, but the fire appears to have been quickly extinguished. Firefighters are currently responding to the scene.

Why it matters

The Phoenix Mountains Preserve is a popular outdoor recreation area, so any fire in the vicinity raises concerns about public safety and potential damage to the natural environment. Rapid response by firefighters helped contain the blaze, but the cause and extent of the fire are still under investigation.

The details

The fire broke out around noon on Monday, February 23, 2026 near the Phoenix Mountains Preserve in north Phoenix. Large plumes of dark smoke were visible in the area, prompting a response from local firefighters. The fire appears to have been quickly extinguished, but the cause and any potential damage are still being assessed.

  • The fire was reported around 12:00 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

A popular outdoor recreation area in north Phoenix, Arizona.

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What’s next

Firefighters are still investigating the cause and extent of the fire, and will provide updates on any damage or injuries.

The takeaway

Rapid response by firefighters helped contain a potentially dangerous fire near the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, underscoring the importance of vigilance and preparedness when it comes to public safety and environmental protection in urban wilderness areas.