PHOENIX — The Siphon Fire burning in the Superstition Wilderness is now 32% contained after the human-caused started last week and grew to more than 15,000 acres, according to officials with the Tonto National Forest said Monday. The exact cause is under investigation.
The Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat areas were evacuated due to the fire, which is burning in remote terrain northeast of Apache Junction. Maricopa County has since lifted the evacuation order.
A "GO" order was issued along State Route 88, which is also known as Apache Trail, according to the Tonto National Forest.
Residents east of Mountain View Road and west of the Tonto National Forest, between Broadway Road to Lost Dutchman State Park have been placed in "SET" status, according to Pinal County.
A "READY" advisory is in place for areas just south of Tonto National Forest in the Gold Canyon area — specifically communities between Broadway and Southern avenues and between Geronimo and Barkley roads. People in Apache Junction are also under a "READY" advisory.
Tonto National Forest officials said two engines and a Type 1 helicopter were assigned to the fire. Due to the area's rugged terrain, ground resources cannot safely access the fire.
Those in the East Valley are asked to stay away from the First Water, Boulder and Siphon Trails as firefighters work the area.
State Route 88 has reopened after officials removed a roadblock.
12News viewer Joanne DeSena sent in this photo of the fire from a distance on the Superstition Mountains on Thursday:
The cause of the fire is not known.
12News will continue to monitor the fire and provide updates accordingly.
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