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EVENING UPDATE: Sears Fire - Oct. 1

PHOENIX, Oct. 1, 2020 -Firefighters continue to patrol, monitor and mop up hotspots along the perimeter of the Sears Fire. The fire remains at 14,476 acres and is now 48 percent contained. Higher temperatures today caused an increase in fire activity which resulted in an unburned pocket of vegetation to ignite within the fire's interior, however there was no threat of it spotting over containment lines.

Fire crews continue to monitor and protect critical infrastructure on Humboldt Lookout and are closely monitoring structures in the Camp Creek recreation residences. Road grading operations were conducted on Horseshoe Road to repair impacts from firefighting response vehicles. Lower Camp Creek powerlines have been re-energized.

There are approximately 100 response personnel assigned to the incident consisting of engines, hand crews, water tenders and helicopters. Air tankers are available based on priority.

The Sears Fire Closure Order has been modified to allow access to Bartlett Dam Road. Bartlett Lake and marina has reopened. Please slow down and watch out for firefighters and equipment that are working in the area. Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24) and Horseshoe Lake Road (NFSR 205) remain closed.

The closure also limits access to Maricopa Trail segments from Spur Cross to Granite Mountain on the Bronco Trail. For more information about Maricopa Trails visit https://bit.ly/34bxqD4. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the Tonto National Forest official Facebook page.

Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law and potentially endangers firefighters and interferes with wildland fire aerial suppression operations. Interfering with firefighting operations can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest.

Fire officials on the Cave Creek Ranger District will be implementing a closure order which will include the Bartlett Lake area, boat ramp and marina for the protection of public health and safety during firefighting and emergency operations as a result of the Sears Fire.

Firefighters responded at approximately 2:45 p.m. earlier today to the Sears Fire located near Forest Service Road 24 and the Sears Kay Ranch. Currently the fire is approximately 5,200 acres and crews are on scene working to contain the blaze burning in grass and brush. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Currently, there are 15 engines, 1 hand crew, 1 Air Attack plane, 2 Single Engine Airtankers and 2 helicopters assigned to the incident. Additional resources have been ordered and are responding. The Camp Creek Residents have been evacuated as a precaution, and firefighters are providing structure preparation and protection to that area.

This closure order will be effective on Sept. 26, 2020, at 12 p.m., and shall remain in effect until further notice.

The area closure includes all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the intersection of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 24 (Cave Creek Road) and NFSR 19 (Bartlett Dam Road), then following NFSR 19 East to the western shore of Bartlett Lake, then following the western shoreline of Bartlett Lake and the Verde River to Horse Shoe Lake, then following the western shore of Horse Shoe Lake to Lime Creek, then following Lime Creek Northwest to NFSR 24, then following the eastern edge of NFSR 24 South to the junction with NFSR 41, then crossing NFSR 24 to the western edge of the road and following the western edge of NFSR 24 south to the pullout at mile post 2, then crossing back over the to the eastern side of NFSR 24, and following NFSR 24 South to NFSR 19. (the beginning).

The following roads/road segments along the perimeter are open: NFSR 24 from NFSR 41 North and from NFSR 19 to mile post 1. NFSR 41.

Please avoid the area to allow suppression resources to travel safely to and throughout the incident. Updates will be provided as official information becomes available.

Stage 1 fire restriction are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for additional information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices