By admin 
DUDLEYVILLE, AZ (AZFamily) — Forward progress has been stopped on a fire that forced some residents in a small Pinal County community to evacuate.
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The Sunnvale Fire, which is an estimated six acres and 25% contained, is burning near the unincorporated community of Dudleyville along State Route 77 in eastern Pinal County, near Dudleyville Road.
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has placed residents in the Horseshoe Drive area on “SET” evacuation status as crews continue to contain the fire.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said the fire is burning in a river bottom with fuels including grass, brush and salt cedar.
Forward progress stopped on #SunnvaleFire. Size estimated at 6 acres. Resources working to tie in containment lines and prevent further spread with mop up operations.#AZFire #AZForestry #PinalCounty https://t.co/A25kKgGlJ1
— AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management (@azstateforestry) July 5, 2026
According to ADFFM, firefighters are working on mop-up operations.
Salt cedar is an invasive plant introduced to Arizona to control erosion. Now, it’s become a prominent issue for fire management. Brandalyn Vonk with ADFFM said it’s been a challenge.
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“Yeah, it also grows in very thick. So it’s hard to get in there, cut that out, put the fire out, utilizing both the aircraft resources and our firefighters on the ground,” Vonk said.
Salt cedar trees created challenges for firefighters battling the 1,191-acre Hazen Fire near Buckeye in May. The invasive trees can burn hot and fast and can send up thick smoke.
“And as thick as salt cedar can grow, it can be a challenge to find that break in vegetation to stop the fire,” Vonk said.
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