PAYSON, AZ — The Sand Stone Fire burning northeast of the Valley is getting closer to being controlled by firefighters.
Tonto National Forest officials announced Saturday morning that the "SET" evacuation status that has been in place for the Sunflower for most of the week has been downgraded to "READY" status.
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As of Saturday morning, the fire had burned more than 27,000 acres.
SR 87 southbound was shut down for a time, but it has since reopened, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
There have not been any reported injuries or structures damaged due to the fire as of the most recent reporting from the area.
The fire started on Thursday, July 25, by lightning, fire officials say.
