RIO VERDE, Ariz. — Fire crews are currently fighting the Sand Stone Fire, burning 14 miles northeast of Fountain Hills since July 25.
The fire has burned 27,390 acres and is 96% contained as of Aug. 10.
A closure order has been issued by the Cave Creek and Mesa Ranger District for the Tonto National Forest due to the "uncontrolled" fire. The agency said the order was given to protect public health and safety while "firefighting operations" are underway.
The Sunflower area has returned to 'READY' status after a brief time under 'SET' status.
Head to 12news.com/wildfires to get the latest information on all the fires burning around Arizona.
The full evacuation list, evacuation center information and up-to-date road closures can be found below:
Latest fire updates:
- The Tonto National Forest is closed as crews work to contain the fire.
- Officials believe the fire started because of a lightning strike on July 25.
- Rainfall on Aug. 9 helped increase containment on the Sand Stone Fire
- Firefighters continued "mastication and chipping along Forest Road 201."
- Smoke may be visible in Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Deer Creek, Rye, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and other areas in the Rio Verde Foothills.
How many acres has it burned?
The Sand Stone Fire has burned 27,390 acres and is 96% contained as of Aug. 10, fire officials said.
Are there any evacuations?
Sunflower residents have been placed in the "READY" status.
Go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network website to learn how the READY, SET, GO evacuation system works.
What roads or highways have been closed?
No roads or highways are closed.
Are there any shelters available for residents who may be evacuated?
Officials have not released information on shelters.
Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
Matches in a waterproof container
Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
Arizona Wildfire Season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12News YouTube playlist here.