UPDATE (3/29):
Officials report that approximately 20 separate fires are burning along SR 79 from mile marker 96 to mile marker 114—a stretch of about 20 miles.
As of 1:30 p.m. Saturday, officials reported that the Saddlebrooke Fire had been mapped at 287 acres, with containment now at 50%. Fire crews re-engaged in suppression efforts Saturday morning, working to secure fire lines. Engines, water tenders, and hand crews remain assigned to the incident.
Fire operations teams are walking the fire areas and mapping the incidents to provide updated acreage estimates. Overnight, all 18 fires remained in place, and containment lines held.
Drivers traveling along SR 79 should continue to use caution, as fire crews are actively working near the roadway. The Arizona Department of Transportation has not issued any road closures at this time.
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SADDLEBROOKE, Ariz. (KGUN) - The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is responding to multiple fires along State Route 79, near mile marker 96, northwest of Oracle Junction, the department said on social media.
The fires are being managed as a single incident, known as the Saddlebrooke Fire.
Additional engines have been requested to support the resources from the Golder Ranch Fire District already engaged in firefighting efforts.
In an update, officials report that approximately 20 separate fires are burning along SR 79 from mile marker 96 to mile marker 114—a stretch of about 20 miles.
The fires vary in size, ranging from one-tenth of an acre to as large as 40 acres.
Crews are making steady progress in containing the flames, and two state hand crews are en route to assist.
Drivers traveling along SR 79 should exercise caution, as fire crews are working near the roadway.
As of now, the Arizona Department of Transportation has not closed the highway.
KGUN9 will continue to provide updates on the Saddlebrooke Fire as new information becomes available.
PREVIOUS IMAGE WAS NOT OF SADDLEBROOKE FIRE - MAP WITH MARKER OF FIRE LOCATION IS ABOVE
