SR 87 northeast of metro Phoenix reopens after shutting down due to brush fire

PHOENIX — A brush fire northeast of metro Phoenix temporarily shut down State Route 87 on Sunday as crews worked to contain the blaze, authorities said.

The Bullet Fire consumed more than 4,100 acres as of Monday morning and was 50% contained, according to Tonto National Forest officials.

SR 87, also known as the Beeline Highway, was closed near the Bush Highway around 6:15 p.m. Sunday, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.

The northbound lanes were closed at milepost 199 and southbound lanes were closed at the junction with SR 188.

The Bullet Fire is at 4178 acres and 50% contained. Fire crews will be on scene all day to clean-up and to keep the fire within the current footprint. Lower Sycamore and Sugar Loaf areas are closed for public and first responder safety. #TontoNF #fireyear2023 pic.twitter.com/ey9pdCLZxX

— Tonto NF (@TontoForest) June 5, 2023

The highway was reopened in both directions by early Monday.

The Sugar Loaf area was evacuated Sunday afternoon, before the fire disrupted the highway, but no structures were threatened, officials said.

An air tanker was sent to the Lower Sycamore area to help with support.

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