Seven fires burning in Tonto Forest as of Friday

August 10, 2012

Lightning from monsoon storms is blamed for several fires in the Tonto National Forest. KJZZ’s Al Macias reports forest officials are also worried about record-high temperatures.

Seven fires are burning in the Tonto Forest today. All caused by lightning strikes earlier this week. The fires range in size from a tenth of an acre to a 280-acre fire burning in a remote area of the forest. Several of the fires appear to be out or not growing after rains fell. Forest officials say they have about half a dozen fire crews and one aircraft working the blazes. They say firefighters are making good progress toward containment.

Recent record-breaking temperatures continue to be a concern for the crews on the fire lines. The high temperatures are also drying out fuel despite the recent monsoon rains.