Investigators Rule 2023 Diamond Fire Cause Undetermined due to Insufficient Evidence

Scottsdale, AZ (9/20/2024) – The cause of June 2023’s Diamond Fire in North Scottsdale has been declared undetermined by wildland fire investigators. Despite extensive efforts, investigators were unable to identify the exact cause of the fire due to insufficient evidence.

 “Upon arrival of the first engines on scene, their priority was to provide immediate structure protection to nearby threatened homes, which left the possible point of origin unsecured through the first operational period. Suspected point of origins need to be secured by a law enforcement officer or fire staff to provide scene integrity until a fire investigator arrives. This investigation was a coordinated effort between the department and the Scottsdale Police and Fire Departments and did take time to complete to ensure a thorough, thoughtful report,” said the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s wildland fire investigator, Aaron Casem.

The Diamond Fire started on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at approximately 5:00 pm, near 130th Street and Ranch Gate Road in North Scottsdale, and 11 miles west of the Rio Verde community. The wind-driven fire quickly burned nearly 2,000 acres, threatened up to 400 home at its peak and forced the evacuation of multiple, nearby communities. Wildland fire resources called the fire 100% contained a week later on July 4, 2023. 

For more information contact DFFM fire investigator, Aaron Casem at [email protected]