GILA COUNTY, AZ — Fire crews are battling the newly-sparked Horton Fire about 18 miles northeast of Payson.
The fire has currently burned about 600 acres as of Saturday morning.
Fire crews from the Tonto and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are fighting the blaze that was first spotted Saturday night off of Horton Creek Trail 292 in Horton Creek Canyon.
Officials say the public should avoid trails 292, 285, and the Highline Trail.
#HortonFire Update - 604 acres; 0% containment; 148 personnel. Friday, fire progressed across the top of E Horton drainage below FR 764. Crews conducted firing operations from FR 9305 to FR 9310 to prevent fire from crossing FR 300. Monitoring & prep will continue. pic.twitter.com/mNhq4Eqy3S
— Tonto National Forest (@TontoForest) December 21, 2024
Smoke can reportedly be seen from State Route 260 and the Tonto Creek corridor.
There are no reported evacuations at this point.
Tonto Estates, the Fish Hatchery, and the Zane Grey community were issued a "Set" status by Gila County officials on Tuesday.
They remain in "Set" status as of Saturday morning.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
