Fire crews are working to put out a lightning-caused brush fire burning 15 miles northeast of Scottsdale.
Tonto National Forest Officials say the fire was first spotted Saturday night and is burning east of the Verde River near Black Mesa - approximately two miles northeast of the Fort McDowell Reservation.
The fire grew on Sunday and is approximately 2,690 acres as of Tuesday afternoon, according to forest officials. The fire is burning in grass and brush in remote areas currently inaccessible to fire crews. As of Monday evening, the fire was zero percent contained.
Firefighters from Glendale, Scottsdale, Phoenix and even a hot shot crew from Oregon are working together to battle the blaze.
Glendale Fire was called out to assist Phoenix Fire, Scottsdale Fire and a hotshot crew from Oregon to battle a brush fire in the North Valley this afternoon. Thankfully no structures were at risk and no injuries were reported. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/UrRiq0cA5N
— Glendale Fire Dept. (@GlendaleFire) August 5, 2019
A helicopter is being used to douse flames and air tankers have been ordered to keep the fire from moving any closer to communities.
Smoke from the Verde Fire is visible in Rio Verde, Fort McDowell, the Beeline (State Highway 87) corridor, Fountain Hills, and the East Valley.
Crews are working to slow the fire's spread west and south toward Fort McDowell and the community of Rio Verde.
Officials say smoke from the Verde Fire will continue to be seen throughout the day and into the evening hours.
Monsoon activity during the week could produce outflow winds of 40 miles per hour, which firefighters say have the potential to spread the fire in any or all directions.
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC15 News and abc15.com for updates.
