🌱 Phoenix Firefighters Battle Mulch Fire + Increased Water Rates

Hi Phoenix! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 99 Low: 69.

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Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. Phoenix firefighters worked several hours Sunday morning to get a "stubborn" mulch fire under control. According to authorities, the fire started around 3:00 a.m. near 27th Ave. and Lower Buckeye Rd. The fire required firefighters to battle the blaze from an elevated position and move burning piles to allow for more water access. No injuries were reported in the fire and its cause remains unreported. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
2. A new study shows that the Phoenix metro has followed suit with other major cities across the United States. According to KSTAR News, the number of people traveling more than 90 minutes by metro to get to work has decreased by 36% since 2019. In other major cities, similar drops in "super commuters" have happened since COVID-19. With more remote work options, many workers choose not to go into the office anymore. Since 2019, the number of remote workers in Phoenix has increased by 195%. (KTAR.com)
3. Phoenix residents could soon see an increased rate for water services. The Phoenix Water Services Department has proposed a rate increase of 35% for raw water to address the rising costs of utilities due to inflation. The department has also requested to increase the Stormwater Excise Tax to comply with new anti-pollution requirements. To read more about the proposed taxes or submit a public comment, see the proposal here. (City of Phoenix via Twitter)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Foam Zone At Children's Museum of Phoenix (9:00 AM)
• Veterans Memorial Day Recognition At Heard Museum (10:00 AM)
• Blues Night At Chars LIVE (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 29, the Arizona Humane Society will be modifying its hours. Hours will depend on specific departments. To view updated hours, visit the AZ Humane page here. (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• On Saturday, Jun. 17, the Phoenix Fire Department will host a free pool party with CPR training and water safety lessons. There will be free food, drinks, treats, and raffle prizes! There will be a DJ to keep the energy up from 12:00-3:00 p.m. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• Before traveling on Memorial Day, be sure to check the availability of recreation sites on Salt River. Many sites on the river are closed because they are over capacity. Click here to find a list of closures. (12 News)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.