'Comet Fire' 50% contained

QUEEN VALLEY, AZ - Fire crews are battling a wildfire that could be seen burning east of the Valley Saturday.

Tonto National Forest spokesman David Albo said the "Comet Fire" was reported around 1:30 p.m. and has grown to approximately 200 acres.

Officials said the fire was 50 percent contained.

Albo said they are using one air tanker dropping water on the fire and six engines. A heavy air tanker has been ordered along with additional units.

Pinal County Sheriff's spokesman Elias Johnson said the fire is not threatening any structures at this time.

Johnson said the fire is burning in open desert off U.S. 60, about 2 miles north of Queen Valley Road.

Crews are trying to protect a transmission line that belongs to Salt River Project, according to Incident Commander Everett Phillips.

Phillips said there are some homes a couple of miles away, but he didn't predict having to call for any evacuations.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, although officials suspect the fire was started by people shooting in the area.