Fire crews from Tonto National Forest responded to the area of Bartlett Lake north of Fountain Hills and the Verde Communities around mid-day Sunday, June 16, where a wildland fire was reported near …
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Fire crews from Tonto National Forest responded to the area of Bartlett Lake north of Fountain Hills and the Verde Communities around mid-day Sunday, June 16, where a wildland fire was reported near the Riverside Campground. This was named the Riverside Fire.
Multiple resources were called out including scooper planes and helicopters as well as hand crews. The scoopers and helicopters dipped water from the lake to pour on the blaze. Visitors were evacuated from the lake recreation areas and Bartlett Lake Road was closed.
By about 5 p.m. officials reported that the progress of the fire had been stopped at approximately 60 acres with crews to remain on scene overnight and continue mop up for the next few days.
In late May, the Wildcat Fire just west of Bartlett Lake burned more than 14,000 acres of desert.
There have also been several fires over the past few weeks within Tonto National Forest along SR 87 (Beeline Highway) between the Valley and Payson.
There are Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect for Tonto National Forest and some closures remain in effect. Visit fs.usda.gov/tonto for additional information.
The Times Independent invites readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Bob Burns can be reached at bburns@iniusa.org.
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