SR 87 partially reopens after small brush fire northeast of Fountain Hills

FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — State Route 87 has partially reopened northeast of Fountain Hills after firefighters contained a brush fire caused by a semi-truck on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the fire began in the truck’s engine on SR 87 near milepost 211 in the Rio Verde area. Windy conditions then caused the fire to spread into the median, leading troopers to shut down the northbound lanes. As the fire grew, the southbound lanes were closed as well.

Tonto National Forest officials said on social media that ground and air support helped put out the flames. It was called the Red Mountain Fire when it reached 10 acres. It’s unclear what the final acreage was for the fire. No one was hurt, and the fire wasn’t close to any buildings.

Around 4:15 p.m., the northbound lanes of State Route 87 were reopened. The left southbound lane is back open but the right one is expected to be closed for a while.

Update: Northbound SR 87 has reopened, but southbound remains closed. Crews are working to fully extinguish the tractor-trailer fire. The truck driver was able to get out safely. pic.twitter.com/dEsqICl3kd
— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) May 30, 2023

WILDFIRE ALERT: Red Mountain Fire is 10 acres. Ground and air support are on scene. Fire is located off of State Route 87 (N Beeline Highway) near mile post 215. North and south bound traffic is currently closed. https://t.co/Gp3LLzfKfz
— Tonto NF (@TontoForest) May 30, 2023

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