A wildfire in the Tonto National Forest led to road closures and evacuations near Bartlett Lake Saturday afternoon, officials said.
The Wildcat Fire, located north of Dynamite Boulevard and 136th Street near Vista Verde, burned about 500 acres, the Tonto National Forest said on Facebook Saturday afternoon. Officials noted that the wildfire, located in the forest northeast of Scottsdale, was reported shortly before 9:30 a.m.
The fire forced the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to close Bartlett Dam Road, which connects Cave Creek Road to Bartlett Lake, because the wildfire was burning on both sides of the road, according to the Tonto National Forest.
Visitors were also escorted from Bartlett Lake due to the wildfire. Authorities urged the public to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System so they could quickly receive alerts about emergency evacuations.
Firefighters responded to the fire with three engines, two crew members, an air tanker and a helicopter. According to the Tonto National Forest, the cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.
In addition, officials warned that the public should avoid traveling through the wildfire area or flying drones near it, in case they could interfere with aircraft fighting the fire.
“Remember that drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and can lead to accidents or delay wildfire efforts,” the Tonto National Forest wrote on Facebook. “If you fly, we can’t.”
More help: Gov. Hobbs signs bill directing interstate funds to fight wildfires in Arizona
Madeline Nguyen is a breaking news reporter at The Republic. Reach her out Madeline.Nguyen@gannett.com or 480-619-0285. Follow her on X @madelineynguyen.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wildcat Fire prompts road closures and evacuations in Tonto National Forest
