Inciweb

The fire began Sept. 25, 2020, and temporarily closed a portion of I-17 north of Phoenix.

U.S. Forest Service

Several recreation areas are closed due to the Sears Fire which began Sept. 25, 2020. The cause of the blaze is being investigated.

The Sears Fire continues to burn northeast of Phoenix and has scorched over 12,000 acres so far.

Susan Blake with the Tonto National Forest Service said the fire has done significant damage.

“What we know so far is that preliminary assessments found three residences that were burned, five outbuildings — sheds — and several vehicles," Blake said. 

Blake also said current weather conditions make daytime firefighting difficult, so crews are using suppression methods at night.

The fire began Friday and temporarily closed a portion of I-17 north of Phoenix.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Bartlett Dam Road is still closed due to Stage 1 restrictions as is Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24), Horseshoe Lake, Bartlett Lake and Seven Springs recreation sites.