SR 87 Reopens Its Lanes Following Brush Fire Shutdown

PAYSON, Ariz. — A brush fire near Payson prompted the closure of State Route 87 in both directions on Saturday. The Arizona Department of Transportation has since reported that the road has reopened.

The fire, estimated at 3 to 5 acres, was initiated when a vehicle experienced a flat tire. Tonto National Forest officials provided this information as crews managed the situation.

Initially, northbound traffic was halted at milepost 229, while southbound traffic was stopped at the junction with State Route 188.

This is a developing story; updates will be provided as more information becomes available.