Fire crews with the Payson Fire Department and Tonto Basin Fire Department had their hands full battling a brush fire south of Payson Sunday.
Officials say the 5.5-acre "Oak Fire" ignited around noon near State Highway 87, south of State Highway 188.
A total of 75 firefighters, six engines, three water tenders, one helicopter, an air attack and two fire investigators from the Payson and Tonto Basin Fire Departments responded to the fire.
Because of the fire's proximity to the highway, the Arizona Department of Transportation closed traffic in both directions while firefighters battled the blaze.
Both lanes of SR 87 SB are now open; the right lane of SR 87 NB is closed.#aztraffic #Wildfires pic.twitter.com/4rUtiEZ0PL
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 17, 2020
At this time, firefighters are mopping up hot spots. Fire crews anticipate the fire to be 100 percent contained by the end of the day.
At noon Oak Fire, about 5.5 acres, began next to Beeline Hwy, south of SH188. 65 firefighters responded, including 1 hotshot crew, 1 helicopter, & an air attack, along with Payson & Tonto Basin Fire Departments. 100% contained by end of day. Fire human caused, under investigation pic.twitter.com/7o3iACsFNL
— Tonto NF (@TontoForest) May 17, 2020
No structures were threatened, and no injuries were reported. The fire was human caused and is under investigation.
