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HORSESHOE LAKE, AZ (AZFamily) — Firefighters are still working to get the upper hand on a brush fire burning northeast of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest.
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The Horseshoe Fire started on Thursday near the west side of the Verde River, south of Horseshoe Lake. As of Saturday evening, forest officials said the fire had burned about 250 acres and was now 45% contained.
Crews spent Thursday building a fireline along the north side of the fire, helping reduce the chance of it spreading toward Horseshoe Lake.
On the west side, firefighters on the ground received help from aircraft that were able to slow the fire’s growth near Horseshoe Dam Road and Willow Spring. Officials said that the area was held overnight.
Fire crews also spotted several new fires Thursday afternoon and evening on the east side of the Verde River near KA Ranch. Heavy and light helicopters dropped water on those spots before they could take hold. Altogether, helicopter crews dropped nearly 100,000 gallons of water to support firefighters on the ground.
Friday’s forecast calls for hotter, drier weather, along with southwest wind gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. Fire crews are expected to focus on slowing any further spread, protecting private property and utility infrastructure, and reducing damage to natural and cultural resources in the area.
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Officials said firefighters are dealing with especially tough conditions in the thick vegetation along the Verde River corridor as they work to keep the fire west of the river. They said firefighter and public safety remain the top priority.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is also helping with the response. Horseshoe Dam Road, Forest Road 205 and several OHV trails in the area are closed to support firefighting efforts and keep the public safe.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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