Firefighters are working to contain a large wildfire located outside of the town of Springerville Tuesday.
The fire started at about 2 p.m. and has already burned 5,000 acres, according to Judy Wood with the Arizona State Forestry Division.
Wood said the fire started along the north side of U.S. 60.
The fire was 100-percent contained on Wednesday morning.
She said the fire is burning in grassland and shrub and that weather conditions are creating problems for firefighters with winds from 15-20 mph.
There are two structures nearby and crews are working to protect them, Wood said. One is occupied and the other is vacant.
There are APS powerlines in the path of the fire, according to Wood. She said crews hope to use County Road 4365 to stop the fire movement and protect the powerlines.
Wood said fighting the fire are 14 engines and water tenders from the surrounding area, including Springerville, Vernon, Eagar, St. Johns, Concho, Greer and Show Low Fire Departments as well as Forest Service personnel.
Approximately 60 – 100 personnel are working to put out the fire.
Motorists are being warned to be cautious in the vicinity of the fire due to the presence of multiple emergency response vehicles.
The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.
