GILA COUNTY, AZ — Fire crews are battling the Horton Fire about 18 miles northeast of Payson.
The fire has currently burned more than 1,100 acres as of January 2. The fire is at 17% containment.
Fire crews from the Tonto and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are fighting the blaze that was first spotted the night of December 15 off of Horton Creek Trail 292 in Horton Creek Canyon.
Officials say the public should avoid trails 292, 285, and the Highline Trail.
#HortonFire Update - 604 acres; 0% containment; 148 personnel. Friday, fire progressed across the top of E Horton drainage below FR 764. Crews conducted firing operations from FR 9305 to FR 9310 to prevent fire from crossing FR 300. Monitoring & prep will continue. pic.twitter.com/mNhq4Eqy3S
— Tonto National Forest (@TontoForest) December 21, 2024
Smoke can reportedly be seen from State Route 260 and the Tonto Creek corridor.
There are no reported evacuations at this point.
Tonto Estates, the Fish Hatchery, and the Zane Grey community were issued a "Set" status by Gila County officials. That status remains active.
A release from the US Forest Service say the fire is believed to be human caused and remains under investigation.
