FD: Multiple homes catch fire, crews battle flames at Ocotillo Fire in Cave Creek

CAVE CREEK, AZ — Fire officials say they have stopped forward progress on a human-caused brush fire that sparked in Cave Creek Saturday afternoon.

Crews from across the Valley responded to assist in battling the second-alarm Ocotillo Fire near Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway.

PHOTOS: OCOTILLO FIRE THREATENS HOMES NEAR CAVE CREEK

As of Monday afternoon the fire is estimated at 980 acres and is 67 percent contained after burning through multiple structures.

Officials say 20 structures have burned including eight homes.

Officials say the evacuation area for the Ocotillo Fire changed as of 5 p.m. Sunday, evacuations have been lifted for Rancho Manana and School House Road, while evacuations, remain in place, for the area north of Spur Crossing & Grapevine and west of 60th Street and Fleming Springs. Firefighters say there are still hazards in the area (downed power lines, poles etc.) so they are asking residents to be patient in terms of lifting evacuations.

Officials say evacuation orders will be lifted Tuesday at noon.

An alert about the evacuation was broadcast on television to residents around the Valley Saturday afternoon, but did not have specific information about evacuation locations, sparking concern for some who saw it.

When agencies across Maricopa County were informed of the alert, they clarified that the evacuation order was for those in the area of the Ocotillo Fire.

It was initially reported that the fire sparked near the 7th hole of Rancho Manana Golf Course and was pushed north into the desert by heavy winds.

Red Cross services have been set up at Cactus Shadows High School nearby for residents who've had to evacuate.