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Sears Fire 60% Contained, Some Firefighters Being Reassigned

Fire crews are making progress on the Sears Fire northeast of Phoenix. 

As of Sunday, the fire has burned about 14,000 acres and is about 60% contained.

Tonto National Forest spokesperson Susan Blake says the weather has been favorable, and some fire crews are being reassigned.

“The wind has played in our favor, because it has not been as strong the last couple of days," Blake said. "There’s approximately 100 personnel assigned to the incident, but they’re releasing folks to go to other western fires where they’re needed.”

The remaining firefighters will continue to protect areas still at risk from damage, Blake said.

"Fire crews are still monitoring values at risk, such as Humboldt Lookout, and also the structures over at the Camp Creek recreation residences," Blake said. "Four residences and 10 outbuildings, and several vehicles were damaged by the fire."

There are still fire restrictions in the Tonto National Forest. Campfires and target shooting are banned, but hunting is allowed.

Scott Bourque was a reporter and podcast producer at KJZZ from 2019 to 2022.