Interstate-17 reopened north of Phoenix after Sunset Fire closure

PHOENIX — The Interstate 17 has reopened after the Sunset Fire shut it down on Sunday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The southbound lanes reopened around 5 p.m.

The left northbound lane reopened near milepost 248 around 9:45 p.m., and the right lane reopened early Monday morning.

As of 8 p.m. on Sunday the fire had burnt an estimated 4,000 acres as winds pushed the fire east of I-17 and north toward Badger Springs. The fire was 20% contained.

PHD – #SunsetFire Update: One northbound lane of I-17 has opened. 20% contained; fire remains at 4,000 acres. Use caution as you drive through the area as there are firefighters and emergency responders are still in the area. #AZFire

— BLM Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) June 1, 2020

Airtanker assistance were seen along with fire fighters on the ground.

Crews have also implemented burnout operations to fight the fire.

The blaze began as a vehicle fire near the Sunset Point Rest Area blocking only northbound lanes.

Eventually, both sides of the interstate were shut down as the blaze began to grow around 12 p.m.

pic.twitter.com/UlJrp5BUnn

— Daisy Mtn Fire & Medical (@DaisyMtnFire) May 31, 2020

KTAR 92.3 FM will continue to update this story.

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