Closures modified as firefighters near full containment of Sears Fire

PHOENIX – Closures from the Sears Fire burning northeast of Phoenix have been modified as crews continue to extinguish the wildfire.

The Sears Fire had burned 14,476 acres and was 60% contained, according to a Sunday evening update from the U.S. Forest Service.

Management of the fire was transitioned back to the Cave Creek Ranger station.

The Sears Fire closure order was modified Sunday to reopen Seven Springs and Horseshoe Dam roads. Bartlett Dam Road, Bartlett Lake recreation sites and the marina were previously reopened.

The Maricopa Trail portion of the Bronco Trailhead to Bartlett Dam Road remains closed because it runs through the center of the fire closure area, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

Residents and visitors in the area may see occasional smoke over the next couple of days as interior pockets of the fire continue to burn.

Stage one fire restrictions remain in effect across Tonto National Forest through October.

Arizona wildfires have destroyed more than 900,000 acres this year.

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