The Sand Stone Fire burning north of Fountain Hills had scorched more than nearly 27,000 acres of rugged, remote desert according to information from fire management officials Thursday morning, Aug. 1. It was reported at 27% containment.
The fire ignited by lighting July 25, is burning between the Verde River and State Route 87 (Beeline Highway. Residents in the community of Sunflower remain on alert for possible evacuation as they were advised by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to enter the SET stage of preparation early last week.
On Sunday, July 28, Arizona Department of Transportation and fire officials closed the southbound lanes of SR 87 between SR 188 south of Payson to the Bush Highway just north of Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The highway reopened late Wednesday, July 31, however, motorists are advised there remains firefighting activities in the area and they should use caution and follow instructions they receive from fire officials.
