SR 87 reopens outside of Fountain Hills after closure caused by Round Valley Fire

State Route 87 has reopened in both directions after a wildfire called the Round Valley Fire closed the highway outside Fountain Hills on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

The right southbound lane remains blocked at milepost 213, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The town of Fountain Hills said the fire was ignited after an RV caught fire and spread to the surrounding brush on the southbound side of the highway in the Mesa Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KTAR News 92.3 (@ktarnews)

Conner Hunt, who was driving home with his wife Audrey when they encountered the fire, told KTAR News 92.3 FM that the scene brought traffic to a standstill.

“We were pretty scared at first,” Audrey Hunt said. “It was fully in flames, but it was a two-lane highway and it was blocking pretty much both lanes.”

Hunt recorded the scene as that RV fire turning into a fireball.

“It was a little intense for a little bit as the fire got bigger,” Conner Hunt said.

The wildfire has burned approximately 30 acres. Four engines, two hotshot crews and air resources responded to fight the blaze. U.S. Forest officials said forward progress has been stopped.

The highway was closed for about two hours.

Get the latest KTAR News 92.3 FM traffic alerts sent straight to your phone by texting “TRAFFIC” to 620620.

Related

Remaining Pocket Fire resources focus on repair work as crews move toward full containmentSycamore Fire north of Globe nears full containment as crews focus on repairsPocket Fire burn scar keeps Slide Rock swimming area closed through SeptemberWith Pocket Fire near Sedona 100% contained, officials significantly reduce closure areaFire damage suspected in collapse of bridge over Colorado River in western ArizonaTonto National Forest to lift fire restrictions citing lower fire danger