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Naturally Occurring Fires Contained After Burning 9,000 Acres

Two naturally occurring fires near the Tonto National Forest have been contained but only after burning almost 9,000 acres of land.

The River Fire and the Redmond Fire both started from a combination of a dry climate and a lightning strike.

Carrie Templin with the Tonto National Forest says firefighters have established fire lines around the area, but there are still visible smolders.

“People may see pockets of smoke periodically as things burn in the interior of the fire area," Templin said. 

Templin said fire restrictions are still in place in the area. Forest Road 41 is open while 223 and 644 will stay closed until further notice.

Maddy Nelson was an intern at KJZZ in 2019.