News Summary
The Cody Fire is currently 47% contained but has devastated the lives of families like Chloe Jeffrey and Andrew Ahlbrecht, who lost their home and business. The couple, who had recently moved to Oracle, faced chaos while escaping the flames. Donations are being organized to help them recover as the community rallies together. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support their rebuilding efforts amidst ongoing fire containment operations affecting over 1,200 acres.
Arizona – The Cody Fire, which has been raging north of Tucson, is currently 47% contained, with most evacuation orders now downgraded. However, the aftermath of the fire has been devastating for many, including one family that has lost everything.
The fire has destroyed five homes, one of which belonged to Chloe Jeffrey and her fiancé Andrew Ahlbrecht. The couple, who recently relocated from Minnesota to Oracle in search of a new beginning, owned a local sandwich shop named Simply Sandwiches. They were in the midst of building their dream life and family while raising their toddler in a tiny home situated on Jeffrey’s father’s property.
On Wednesday, chaos erupted as the flames escalated to heights of 20 to 40 feet, swiftly engulfing their home before any evacuation orders were put in place. The family was forced to take an alternate route during their escape, navigating obstructed roads while managing to save only their dog and a few essential documents.
After the fire, the landscape of their community now resembles “the moon,” with their once cherished possessions reduced to ashes. In the wake of this loss, Simply Sandwiches is temporarily closed as the couple begins to sift through donations generously offered by neighbors and the community at large.
Despite their devastating circumstances, the couple has expressed feelings of shock, grief, and profound gratitude for the support they have received from the community. To aid in their recovery efforts, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to help them rebuild their lives.
In light of the ongoing fire situation, residents are encouraged to attend a community meeting on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the Oracle Community Center, where they can receive updates on the Cody Fire and related containment efforts.
The Cody Fire has consumed over 1,200 acres of land, with containment efforts still underway amidst strong winds. Approximately 400 personnel are actively engaged in battling the blaze, with aerial crews targeting hotspots within the fire perimeter to prevent further spread.
Authorities have urged residents to remain patient before returning to their homes, as safety remains the priority while containment efforts are ongoing. Currently, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no lightning reported in the area at the time the fire started.
As the community comes together to support those affected, efforts continue to contain the blaze and address the needs of residents displaced by the fire.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZFamily: Arizona Small Business Owners Lose Home to Cody Fire
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- KVOA: Cody Fire in Oracle
- Google Search: Cody Fire Oracle
- NY Post: Arizona’s Cody Fire Scorches 1000 Acres
- Google Scholar: Cody Fire Oracle
- KGUN9: Cody Fire Marks Major Emergency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
