WITTMANN, AZ — A brush fire that started Thursday is now 95% percent contained, officials said Sunday.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said the White Wing Fire was burning about seven miles east of Wittmann and was estimated by GPS to be about 2,700 acres.
The fire was moving northeast through grass and brush south of State Route 74. Arizona Forestry officials have requested additional aircraft to help with fire suppression.
A portion of the fire did reach the edge of the area burned last week by the Dove Fire, which covered 1200 acres between Surprise and Wittmann.
Crews were able to secure the eastern flank of the fire, protecting a three-mile stretch of power lines. According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the fire was 10 percent contained as of 8:30 p.m.
Officials said there were no road closures or structures at risk due the fire and containment operations. Those driving in the area were asked to be on the lookout for emergency vehicles.
BLM resources have arrived on scene at the #WhiteWingFire. Multiple resources on scene. Fire being carried by continuous “carpet” of dry grass/weeds. Resources using fire to burn fuels ahead of the fire to reduce fire intensity and build containment around perimeter. #AZFire pic.twitter.com/5qBnN7fd4g
— BLM Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) May 30, 2019
Fire management officials said cooler overnight temperatures, an increasing humidity and reduced wind speeds helped slow the progress of the fire.
The north and northwest parts of Maricopa County have seen several named fires emerge in the past week or so.
In addition to the Dove Fire, the Hot Springs Fire led to the temporary closure of SR 74 near Lake Pleasant over the weekend.
