Hotshot crews, aircraft battle fire in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest

PAYSON, Ariz. - Hotshot crews, air tankers and helicopters on Sunday were battling a fire in Arizona's Tonto National Forest that had grown to nearly 4 square miles, while two other fires kept crews busy in other areas over the weekend.

The Sunflower blaze was first spotted Saturday morning. By Sunday, it had charred about 2,500 acres.

Tonto National Forest spokesman David Albo said the fire about 20 miles south of Payson was moving in a northeasterly direction and primarily toward a wilderness area.

Smoke was visible from Phoenix on Sunday, but no structures were threatened by the fire and it had not prompted any evacuation orders.

About 140 people have been assigned to the Sunflower blaze along with six air tankers and two helicopters. Another 15 engines were ordered.

With May temperatures well above average, Arizona land managers have been warning residents that vegetation is dry and the risk of fire is considered to be very high in some areas.

The Bureau of Land Management is planning to implement restrictions to reduce the risk of fire on public lands north and south of Phoenix. The restrictions will prohibit campfires and wood stoves as well as limit smoking to within buildings and enclosed vehicles.

Crews on Sunday were also battling the Bull Flat fire, which was thought to have been sparked by a lightning strike south of the Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

The fire was burning brush, grass and dead and down fuels on the reservation and in the Tonto Forest. Flames were most active on its northeastern flank, but no structures were threatened.

By Sunday afternoon, the fire had charred more than 480 acres. It was about 35 percent contained.

East of Prescott, crews were able to contain a 30-acre blaze that had briefly forced the evacuation of 20 homes in the Cherry Creek subdivision. The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office said residents were allowed to return Saturday evening.