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Update on wildfires burning in Arizona
Two wildfire are still burning in the state. The Horton Fire near Payson is uncontained and evacuation advisories are in place and the Soap Fire is 90% contained.
PAYSON, Ariz. - The Horton Fire continues to burn without containment near Payson.
According to the Tonto National Forest, the fire has burned 604 acres as of Saturday, Dec. 21.
Firefighters are monitoring the burn, trying to prevent the fire from crossing Forest Road 300 with preemptive burns and digging bulldozer lines with heavy machinery.
Several areas were put into SET evacuation status and there is no timeframe for when those alerts will be lifted.
The following communities are in SET status:
- Tonto Creek Estates
- Tonto Christian Camp
- Tonto Fish Hatchery
- Zane Grey Cabins
Emergency closures were also put in place from Dec. 18 through Jan. 31 in the following areas:
- Lower and Upper Tonto Creek Campgrounds
- Horton Creek Day Use Area
- Hatchery Trailhead
- Horton Trailhead
- See Canyon Trailhead
(Tonto National Forest photo)
Several other non-motorized trails were also closed.
Smoke could be visible from the fire in the surrounding area throughout the week.
A long-term dry forecast with moderate winds and relatively low humidity is keeping fire danger at a high level in many portions of Arizona.
The Horton Fire is expected to grow at a moderate level before it is fully contained.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Tonto National Forest and the AZ Emergency Information Network.