The Verde Fire burning about 10 miles northeast of Fountain Hills has grown to four square miles. Lightning strikes ignited the blaze Saturday and it’s still zero percent contained.
Carrie Templin is a spokesperson for the Tonto National Forest. She said more resources are being used to keep the fire from moving closer to neighboring communities.
“Helicopters have been dropping buckets of water on hot spots to keep fire in the location it is, and then as needed, we have also had air tankers dropping fire retardant," Templin said.
Templin said cooler temperatures and overcast skies have kept the flames from growing rapidly. Smoke and flames are visible in Fountain Hills.
