LAKE PLEASANT, AZ — Officials say a brush fire that ignited Wednesday afternoon north of the Valley is 100% contained as of Saturday afternoon.
The #NewRiverFire is 100% contained, remains at 844 acres. #AZForestry engine will remain on fire to patrol & monitor perimeter over the next few days. The fire started Wednesday E. of #LakePleasant #MaricopaCounty #AZFire
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) August 23, 2019
According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the New River Fire was burning near New River and Saddle Mountain roads.
The fire is estimated to be 844 acres and moved quickly through the desert grass and brush. Officials say the fire's forward progress has stopped.
The Phoenix Fire Department said nearly 100 firefighters from various agencies were on scene.
An air tanker from California was called in to assist ground crews on scene. Officials say the fire threatened electrical and gas lines in the area.
We have an air tanker enroute from #California to assist ground resources on #NewRiverFire. Fire threatening kV & gas lines in area. Roughly 100 personnel assigned. The 200-acre fire is burning W. of the 17 & E. of #LakePleasant #MaricopaCounty pic.twitter.com/rYZNKfYYBr
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) August 22, 2019
#NewRiverFire est. 200 acres, E. of #LakePleasant. #AZForestry & cooperators secured NE corner, but fire jumped New River Rd. Firefighters working to catch that. Hand crews & engines being sent from #HillFire. Fire burning actively in dry grasses & brush. #AZFire #MaricopaCounty pic.twitter.com/7AQdOjEAI5
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) August 21, 2019
One firefighter was taken to the hospital for minor injuries but is expected to be okay.
New River Road was closed between I-17 and the Carefree Highway to allow crews to respond.
Firefighters said no structures are threatened.
The fire was the first of two to ignite north of the Valley on Wednesday. A fire also sparked near I-17, causing the interstate to be closed in both directions north of Sunset Point.
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC15 and abc15.com for updates.
