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Brush fire north of Fort McDowell contained

The Red Mountain Fire is about 10 acres as of 2 p.m.

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — The Department of Public Safety said the northbound lanes of SR 87 have reopened after a brush fire ignited north of Fort McDowell Tuesday afternoon.

The "Red Mountain Fire" started in a tractor-trailer engine that spread to the median, the Arizona Department of Transportation said. 

The Forest Service confirmed that fire was contained Tuesday evening. It burned a total of 12 acres.

DPS said the left southbound lane reopened around 5:25 p.m. The right lane remains closed.

Fort McDowell is 23 miles northeast of Phoenix.

RELATED: Truck driver lucky to be alive after brush fire on SR 87

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available. 

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. 

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