At least 14 structures have been destroyed
Sears Fire on September 25, 2020 (InciWeb photo)
PHOENIX (AP) — Firefighters on Tuesday mopped up and patrolled containment lines around the perimeter of a wildfire burning in the Tonto National Forest near the northeastern outskirts of metro Phoenix.
The grass and brush fire made “minimal movement” overnight and the size estimate for the fire remained at 22.2 square miles (57.6 square kilometers) with 15 percent containment, fire managers said in a statement.
InciWeb: Sears Fire Updates
Crews worked to hold and improve containment lines to keep winds from pushing flames westward, said Susan Blake, a spokeswoman for the team fighting the fire.
Blake said crews also were working to protect Federal Aviation Administration infrastructure and monitoring recreation residences.
The fire has destroyed four residences and 10 outbuildings and forced deactivation of some power lines since it started Friday.
The fire’s cause was under investigation.
The wildfire also forced the shutdown of access to Bartlett Lake, a popular recreation spot.
No injuries have been reported.
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