A desert wildland fire known as the Wildcat Fire started Saturday morning, May 18, near Dynamite Boulevard (Rio Verde Drive) and 136th Street and had burned more than 14,000 acres by mid-day Monday, according to the fire management website, inciweb.
The fire was expanding rapidly due to hot, dry conditions and winds in the area. Winds were forecast up to 40 miles per hour on Monday afternoon making fire suppression efforts difficult.
Aviation resources were used heavily on Sunday to stem growth in the southeast portion of the fire area with some success.
Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District has closed a large portion of the area due to the fire. This includes everything west of the Verde River from the Box Bar recreation site adjacent to the Verdes, north to Horseshoe dam and east of Forest Road 562. Bartlett Dam Road, Horseshoe Dam Road and Forest Road 19 are within the closure area. Needle Rock Recreation Area and Bartlett Lake recreation sites are closed.
Rio Verde Fire District Chief Scott Krushak reported Monday morning that no Rio Verde Fire resources are currently assigned to the fire. He said wind changes could result in smoke in the Verde Communities.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire is burning through grass and brush fuel, and there are about 300 firefighting personnel on the scene, as well as aviation support. There is 0% containment of the fire.
Crews are seeking opportunities to build fire lines to contain the blaze and are working to protect infrastructure and natural resources.
The fire is projected to burn to the south and to the east.
The Times Independent will update fire information as it becomes available.
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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