Hundreds of firefighters continue battle against Arizona's Wildcat Fire burning inside Tonto National Forest
The Wildcat Fire has grown to 14,402 acres and is 56% contained as of Thursday.
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PHOENIX – Hundreds of firefighters in Arizona are working to contain a large wildfire burning inside Tonto National Forest northeast of Phoenix that has burned thousands of acres since igniting on Saturday.
Officials said the Wildcat Fire was first reported Saturday morning near Vista Verde, west of Bartlett Lake in the Cave Creek Ranger District.
(FOX Weather)
The Wildcat Fire has since grown to 14,402 acres and is 56% contained as of Thursday.
It's unknown how the fire began, but officials listed the cause as "human."
HOW THE LAY OF THE LAND AFFECTS WILDFIRE BEHAVIOR
Portion of Tonto National Forest closed
This image shows a retardant drop during initial attack in Tonto National Forest, Saturday, May 18, 2024
(InciWeb)
A portion of Tonto National Forest was closed when the fire began, and officials said visitors were carefully being evacuated from Bartlett Lake within the forest as the fire spread. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office also closed Bartlett Dam Road because the fire was burning on both sides of the road.
This photo taken on May 19, 2024, shows a firefighter standing near flames as the Wildcat Fire burns inside Arizona's Tonto National Forest.
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People have been asked to avoid the area while crews continue to battle the fire.
According to the order, the portion of Tonto National Forest that was closed will remain closed through at least June 19, unless the order is rescinded.
Out-of-state firefighters join the fight against Wildcat Fire
Fire activity as seen from the Cave Creek Ranger District office, Saturday, May 18, 2024
(InciWeb)
According to a report from FOX 10 Phoenix, the Geronimo and Prescott hotshot crews, air tankers and a helicopter have been called upon to help fight the fire, and Scottsdale Fire was also working to help contain the blaze.
In addition, FOX 10 said crews from outside Arizona, including a crew from Montana, have joined the firefight.
SURVIVAL EXPERT OFFERS TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRES
This image shows the wire suppression response on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
(InciWeb)
Officials said they expect little to no movement with the fire due to favorable weather conditions and an effective suppression response. Firefighters are also expected to look for opportunities to construct firelines and create a plan to protect infrastructure and natural resources that may be at risk.
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This photo shows airplanes flying over the Wildcat Fire outside Phoenix in Tonto National Forest.
(InciWeb)
Officials are urging people to refrain from flying drones in the area due to a safety risk.
"Remember, drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations," officials said. "If you fly, we can't."