Homes have been evacuated after a brush fire just 4 miles north of Cave Creek Regional Park ignited on Sunday afternoon.
As of Monday morning, the fire twas 20% contained, but still expands 1,500 acres. The fire is being fueled by strong winds, sweeping the fire through dry grass and brush. It is expected to be a concern for the next few days, ABC15 reports.
Fire crews are working to keep the blazes south of Tonto National Forest. They are working to fight the fires by air methods as much as possible to avoid being in close proximity on the ground.
Residents of the area have had growing concerns about fire safety with the activity seen thus far this year.
Matt Sharp, who lives nearby, said, "In the last couple of years, particularly with all the rain that we had and all the vegetation grew and then everything dried out, so yeah these brush fires have been happening literally just this summer. We've already had like four or five big ones just around this immediate area."
Fire officials believe the fires were caused by humans, but there is still a long ways to go before they are able to determine a definite cause.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram