Blazing Sand Stone Fire Shuts Down Southbound Lanes on State Route 87

The Sand Stone Fire, ignited last Thursday, remains entirely uncontained as of now. The blaze has led to the closure of a significant portion of State Route 87, commonly known as the Beeline Highway.

RIO VERDE, Ariz.—Firefighting teams are battling the Sand Stone Fire, which has been burning 14 miles northeast of Fountain Hills since July 25.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the southbound lanes of State Route 87 have been closed from State Route 188 to Bush Highway due to the fire’s impact.

Officials suspect the fire began due to a lightning strike late Thursday night. Despite being significantly visible from surrounding areas, the communities of Rio Verde, Fort McDowell, and Fountain Hills are currently not under any imminent threat.

As of Saturday evening, the Sand Stone Fire has scorched 3,220 acres. The Tonto National Forest officials reiterated that although there is no direct threat to nearby communities, residents should stay vigilant about the fire’s conditions.

No “GO,” “SET,” or “READY” evacuation orders have been issued up to this point. State Route 87 remains closed near Payson, providing a challenging situation for commuters.

Emergency supply kits are highly recommended by fire safety officials. Being prepared long before wildfire threats materialize can make a significant difference during evacuations. Essentials should include water, ready-to-eat foods, first-aid supplies, and important documents stored securely.

For more detailed suggestions, the National Fire Protection Association offers a comprehensive checklist, including items like sleeping bags, signal flares, and weather radios.

Stay informed about the wildfire conditions and safety protocols through verified local sources such as Arizonanews.org.