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Firefighters: Human-caused Dove Fire burns 1,200 acres, 90 percent contained

KNXV Dove Valley Fire Nighttime 5-24-19
KNXV Dove Fire near Surprise 5-24-19
Posted at 7:01 PM, May 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-26 23:05:33-04

SURPRISE, AZ — Firefighters say a brush fire that ignited Friday afternoon has grown to an estimated 1,200 acres.

The Dove Fire started near 167th Avenue and Dove Valley Road and started spreading among desert shrubs and grasses.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, which assumed command over operations, said it was estimated to be 1219 acres as of 6:47 p.m. on Saturday.

"Firefighters worked overnight conducting back burn ops, which increased the fire size to 1,200 acres," the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management tweeted on Saturday.

The fire is 90 percent contained, and has "decreased immensely," according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Fire officials added that full containment is expected on Monday.

The investigation has determined the fire was human-caused, but it is still an ongoing investigation.

Fire officials said while fire activity is minimal, smoke may continue to linger in the area.

Video from the Cliff Castle Chopper shows the flames moving away from homes and other structures.

Smoke from the fire was detected by weather satellites maintained by the National Weather Service.

A photo from state firefighters show aircraft dropping retardant on the flames.

One hundred firefighters, including aircraft, hand crews, engines and water tenders were on scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Stay with ABC15 for updates