BARTLETT LAKE, AZ (AZFamily)—The Wildcat Fire burning on the Tonto National Forest, northeast of the Phoenix metro, has grown to nearly 14,072 acres due to increasing winds, fire officials said Monday morning.
Tonto Forest officials believe the fire started north of Dynamite Blvd. and 136th Street on Saturday. Due to firefighting operations and the danger associated with the uncontrolled fire, officials have closed off the area in the Cave Creek Ranger District for the public’s safety.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it’s believed to be human-caused.
“All it takes is a quick spark in those light fuels of the grass and this fire can be off and running,” said Tonto National Forest Spokesperson Brad Widhalm.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office closed Bartlett Dam Road due to a fire burning on both sides of the road. On Saturday evening, visitors were being escorted out of Bartlett Lake.
“That was the closest I’ve ever been and I don’t ever want to be that close again,” said Hallie Cooper.
Cooper was at Bartlett Lake with friends from out-of-town on Saturday when they decided to voluntarily evacuate around 3:30 p.m.
“We got into that down, kind of gulley area and we realized the smoke was now that thick and was coming into the truck I got scared. I’ve got a little bit of a breathing issue, I was worried about that,” she explained.
According to Tonto Forest officials, 300 personnel are responding to the fire, including crews from Geronimo, Mormon Lake, Prescott, and Globe Interagency Hotshot Crews. The Perryville Crew, Lewis Crew, Superstition Crew, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsdale Fire Department and Mesa Medics have also been called to fight the fire. Officials say more resources have been requested.
Ten fire engines, one large and one light helicopter, one water tender and others are also being used to battle the blaze.
“Even though the acreage is high, we feel like we’re making progress and we’re excited about what’s happening,” says Widhalm. “(Monday’s) going to be a telling day because we have some really strong winds predicted.”
Emergency officials are advising the public to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System for alerts if possible emergency evacuations are necessary.
You can check the latest road closures near the fire by visiting Arizona’s Family First Alert Traffic page.
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