Lightning from monsoon storms is blamed for several fires in the Tonto National Forest. KJZZ’s Al Macias reports forest officials are also worried about record-high temperatures.

Seven fires are burning in the Tonto Forest today. All caused by lightning strikes earlier this week. The fires range in size from a tenth of an acre to a 280-acre fire burning in a remote area of the forest. Several of the fires appear to be out or not growing after rains fell. Forest officials say they have about half a dozen fire crews and one aircraft working the blazes. They say firefighters are making good progress toward containment.

Recent record-breaking temperatures continue to be a concern for the crews on the fire lines. The high temperatures are also drying out fuel despite the recent monsoon rains.