The fire began on July 25 and is 78% contained, authorities say.
RIO VERDE, Ariz. — Fire crews are currently fighting the Sand Stone Fire, burning 14 miles northeast of Fountain Hills since July 25.
The fire has burned 27,390 acres as of Aug. 3.
A closure order has been issued by the Cave Creek and Mesa Ranger District for the Tonto National Forest due to the "uncontrolled" fire. The agency said the order was given to protect public health and safety while "firefighting operations" are underway.
The Cave Creek and Mesa Ranger District offices are implementing an Emergency Closure Order. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled #SandStoneFire on #TontoNF. pic.twitter.com/sbzCgayOXi
— Tonto National Forest (@TontoForest) July 29, 2024
The Sunflower area has returned to 'READY' status after a brief time under 'SET' status.
Head to12news.com/wildfires to get the latest information on all the fires burning around Arizona.
The full evacuation list, evacuation center information and up-to-date road closures can be found below:
Latest fire updates:
- The Tonto National Forest is closed as crews work to contain the fire.
- Officials believe the fire started because of a lightning strike on July 25.
- The fire is highly visible from outlying communities, officials said, but there is no imminent threat to the communities of Rio Verde, Fort McDowell and Fountain Hills.
- Crews used masticators to "chip and shred vegetation" and reduce the amount of fuel available for the fire to burn along Forest Road 201 near the Mount Peeley Trailhead. Similar actions are being taken along Old Highway 87 and the Mesquite Wash.
- Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team headed to the Sand Stone Fire to work on emergency stabilization issues
Daily Update for the Sand Stone and Deer Fires, Saturday, August 3, 2024 pic.twitter.com/AezKxbp5S2
— Tonto National Forest (@TontoForest) August 3, 2024
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 28, 2024UPDATE: SR 87 southbound is CLOSED from SR 188 to Bush Hwy due to the #SandStoneFire. There's no estimated time to reopen the road.
For real-time road information, use the AZ511 app:
Apple https://t.co/EQG0EXLs9U
Android https://t.co/HHoNCapDkZ pic.twitter.com/QDpKkXO15k
How many acres has it burned?
The Sand Stone Fire has burned 27,390 acres and is 78% contained as of Aug. 3, fire officials said.
"There is no imminent threat to the communities of Rio Verde, Ft. McDowell and Fountain Hills, but it may be highly visible, and people should remain aware of fire conditions," officials from the Tonto National Forest said in a Facebook post.
Are there any evacuations?
Sunflower residents have been placed in the "READY" status.
Go to theArizona Emergency Information Network website to learn how the READY, SET, GO evacuation system works.
What roads or highways have been closed?
No roads or highways are closed.
Are there any shelters available for residents who may be evacuated?
Officials have not released information on shelters.
- Freeman Fire burning north of Tucson closes trails, scorches 32,568 acres, 100% contained
- Romero Fire burns 7,000 acres southwest of Kearny, 70% contained
- The latest on the Circle Fire, which has burned 2,800 acres southwest of Kearny
Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
Matches in a waterproof container
Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be foundhere.
Arizona Wildfire Season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
