Smoke from the Verde Fire is visible in Rio Verde, Ft McDowell, the Beeline, Hwy 87 corridor and the E. Valley. Visibility may be reduced on portions on Hwy 87 overnight and early morning hours, and Rio Verde residents may see a glow in the distance and smell smoke overnight.
— Tonto NF (@TontoForest) August 5, 2019
The lightning caused Verde Fire located approximately 15 miles northeast of Scottsdale is growing.
It was reported on Saturday night, after thunderstorms passed through the Valley.
The fire is burning on the east side of the Verde River, near Black Mesa, approximately two miles northeast of Fort McDowell Reservation lands, and four miles east of the community of Rio Verde. The fire is burning in grass and brush in a remote area with limited road access for fire crews.
Verde Fire grew to ~700 acres today & is visible from Rio Verde, Ft McDowell, East Valley & Hwy 87. Efforts are underway to determine where and how to safely engage this fire, because of limited road access, combined with excessive heat warnings. (1of2) https://t.co/Mm0pb9Is9p pic.twitter.com/uC2gRP23DR
— Tonto NF (@TontoForest) August 5, 2019