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Human-caused Bush Fire burns 151,075 acres in Tonto National Forest as evacuations ordered

Residents in the area of Apache Lake, Sunflower, Punkin Center and Tonto Basin were ordered to evacuate.

PHOENIX — Editor's note: The above video is from an earlier newscast. 

Residents are asked to evacuate after a brush fire burning more than 150,000 acres forced the closure of recreation sites and a portion of Highway 87 over the weekend, Arizona State Forestry said. 

The fire started Saturday afternoon and is now being called the Bush Fire

It is burning 151,075 acres as of Friday morning. The fire is 7% contained as firefighters contend with hot, dry, windy conditions.

Residents in the area of Apache Lake, Sunflower, Punkin Center and Tonto Basin were ordered to evacuate. 

This includes all residents on both sides of the highway, and both sides of the creek.

All residents and businesses on Highway 188 from Punkin Center to the 188 - Highway 87 Junction, to include Jakes Corner, Pioneer Pass, Brownsville, and Slate Creek have been asked to evacuate.

RELATED: Husband and wife defy Bush Fire evacuation order to check on elderly residents

Officials advise evacuees to take State Route 88 east to the State Route 188 then east to Globe/Miami.

State Route 88 near Apache Lake is closed in both directions. 

There is no estimated time to reopen the road, and there is no way to access Apache Lake while the section of the road is closed. 

The fire was started by a vehicle, officials said Monday.

RELATED: How you can prepare for a wildfire evacuation

Crews have been attempting to extinguish the brush fire that closed the lanes of Highway 87 in both directions between Bush Highway and Highway 188 on Saturday. The northbound and southbound lanes remain closed.

Crews are asking people to avoid SR 87 near Bush Highway and the Lower Sycamore Canyon area. 

Bush Fire contines to burn 6.17.20

The Bush Fire has burned more than 64,000 acres near Payson. Sky 12 is over the area. EVACUATIONS AND OTHER INFO: https://bit.ly/2MZ6VIO

Posted by 12 News on Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Saguaro Lake, Butcher Jones, and Pobrecito recreation sites were closed due to the fire, authorities said. The Sugarloaf and Four Peaks recreation areas were also closed.

Heavy smoke may affect people in the East Valley, so be aware if you have any underlying health conditions that can make you sensitive to smoke. 

Drivers should expect heavy smoke to interfere with travel near Lower Salt River recreation sites, authorities said.

You can find out more about closures due to the bush fire here.

Fire officials say emergency kits should be packed and ready to go long before a wildfire is sparked.

What to put in your emergency kit: 

  • Supply of non-perishable food and water 
  • Medications 
  • Extra clothes 
  • Extra set of car keys, credit cards and cash 
  • First aid kit 
  • Flashlight/extra batteries 
  • Copies of important papers  
  • Food and water for pets 
  • And if you’ve got the time, grab family photos, irreplaceable items and laptops. 

This is a developing story. Tune into 12 News for the latest information.

The Tonto features some of the most rugged and inherently beautiful land in the country. Sonoran Desert cacti and flat lands slowly give way to the highlands of the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude -- from 1,300 to 7,900 feet -- offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it's lake beaches or cool pine forest.

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