Cody Fire Ravages Community North of Tucson

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

The landscape near Tucson shows the devastation caused by the Cody Fire.

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.