Sears Fire Burns Over 12,000 Acres Of Land Near Phoenix

PHOENIX — Just a few miles northeast of the city of Phoenix, a wildfire is raging.

The Sears Fire has burned over 12,000 acres of brush and grass near Tonto National Forest and shows no signs of slowing down thanks to some strong winds, Tonto National Service officials said in a tweet Monday.

"The #SearsFire is 12,474 acres with 0 percent containment," the department tweeted.
"NE winds will make it challenging for firefighters today."

The Sears Fire began Friday afternoon near Forest Service Road 24 and the Sears Kay Ranch near Cave Creek. The cause of the fire is currently unknown but an investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson for the Phoenix Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The fire has destroyed at least four homes, 10 outbuildings and several vehicles, the U.S. Forest Service said.

All National Forest lands are closed due to the fire, as are the recreation areas around Bartlett Lake. The fire is the most active south of Humboldt Mountain, Tonto National Forest said in a news release.

"Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from damaging Camp Creek recreation residences, but firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the area," the forest service said in a statement.

There are currently 12 fire engines, four hand crews, one air attack plane, multiple large air tankers and four helicopters dedicated to fighting the Sears Fire, according to the release. More resources are on the way.

Officials have asked the public to avoid the area while containment efforts continue.