Monarch Fire: Crews gain control of brush fire near Wickenburg

Forward progress stopped on Monarch Fire

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management says forward progress has stopped on the Monarch Fire burning just miles from Wickenburg on July 1. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has the latest.

WICKENBURG, Ariz. - Crews have gained control of a brush fire that sparked near the U.S. 60 northwest of Phoenix.

What we know:

The Monarch Fire sparked on July 1 five miles southeast of Wickenburg.

According to a final update issued on the night of July 4 by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the fire has burned an estimated 148 acres with 75% containment.

"Resources will finish up any remaining work over the weekend but will be available for initial attack on any new fires in the surrounding area," read a portion of the update.

Dig deeper:

Residents in Rio Vista Hills to Saguaro Blossom Lane, on both sides of the U.S. 60, including Wickenburg and Allah, have been downgraded to "READY" status as of July 3.

Cause of the fire

"A fire investigation has been completed with the cause determined to be dragging chains. Pieces of metal and chain were located along the highway where the 4 initial starts were identified. These 4 individual fires quickly grew together on July 1, becoming the Monarch Fire," the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said.

Map of where the fire is burning