PHOENIX — If you are trying to get to the High Country from Phoenix, you may have to reschedule: two fires are blocking highway access from Phoenix to northern Arizona, authorities said.
Spring Fire near Sunflower, affecting SR-87
Firefighters are battling a wildfire near Sunflower, authorities say. The Spring Fire is approximately 3,000 acres in size, according to a post on "X," formerly known as Twitter, from Tonto National Forest.
Tonto National Forest Firefighters from the Mesa Ranger District responded to the wildfire off of State Route 87 on Forest Service Road 11. The cause is undetermined. According to Tonto National Forest, 140 personnel are battling the fire and an engine crew will remain on scene over night.
The northbound right lane of SR-87 is closed near Sunflower, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Drivers are advised to seek an alternative route and there is no estimated time of reopening the affected lane. The northbound left lane is reopened.
Five interagency hotshot crews, seven fire engines, two helicopters, two water tenders, four air tankers, and air attack are being used to combat the fire.
Table Fire in New River, affecting I-17
The northbound lanes of Interstate 17 are reopened following a brush fire in New River, Arizona, authorities said. There is no containment reported at this time.
Daisy Mountain Fire, the Bureau of Land Management and State Land are at the scene. The fire is approximately 676 acres in size and authorities do not know what caused the fire at this time.
"As of this morning, crews are engaged and making significant progress on the fire. There are still some smokes along the north and east flanks of the fire. We will release one hand crew and stage them in the area for any potential new starts," the Department of Forestry and Fire Management told 12News.
The northbound lanes were closed near Table Mesa Road for a majority of the day on Saturday, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
"All cars are being turned around at Table Mesa Rd and vehicles will travel south on I-17 into the pavement improvement project closure at Loop 303," ADOT said Saturday in a post on "X," formerly known as Twitter. "Travelers should strongly consider delaying travel plans or consider alt routes. There is no estimated time to reopen the highway."
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