The Sand Stone Fire, which ignited on Thursday in the Tonto National Forest, has prompted the closure of southbound lanes on State Route 87 near Payson. The blaze has expanded to a significant 15,000 acres by Sunday, with officials reporting 0% containment of the fast-growing wildfire, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
As the fire grew from just over 3,200 acres to more than 10,000 acres by Sunday afternoon the Arizona Department of Transportation advised motorists to seek alternate routes, expect delays, and noted the highway closure is in effect from State Route 188 to Bush Highway, fire authorities stated that "Due to breezy conditions and abundant dry fuels, the Sand Stone Fire grew significantly Saturday, mostly to the north and east between Hwy 87 and the Verde River on the Cave Creek Ranger District," in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Despite the fire's size and potential for destruction, there is currently no direct threat to the nearby communities of Rio Verde, Fort McDowell, and Fountain Hills, but "it may be highly visible, and people should remain aware of fire conditions," as mentioned in a Facebook post by officials from the Tonto National Forest and reported by 12 News.
Over 200 personnel including firefighters assisted by helicopters and an airtanker are fiercely battling the wildfire, and crews are focused on protecting private property in the vicinity of the fire, powerlines to the north, and also seeking to minimize impacts to natural resources; no evacuations have been mandated at this stage, although the full evacuation list, evacuation center information, and up-to-date road closures can be found on the Arizona Emergency Information Network website, these details provided by 12 News.
