The human-caused Horton Fire, burning about 17 miles northeast of Payson, was 928 acres in size and 17%, according to a Friday update from the U.S. Forest Service.
Tonto Creek Estates, the Tonto Christian Camp, the Tonto Fish Hatchery and the Zane Grey Cabins remain in SET evacuation status, according to the Forest Service.
Officials said accessing and containing the east flank of the fire has been difficult due to the area’s remoteness. The Forest Service said crews are working to reduce threats to Forest Road 300 and Forest Road 76.
The Forest Service said increased fire activity and smoke was possible on Friday as the region experienced another drying trend and fuels continued to burn within the rugged terrain of the Mogollon Rim.
Smoke will likely be visible in the surrounding areas as crews work to contain the fire, which started Dec. 14.
According to the Forest Service, the relative humidity in the area was expected to stay between 30% and 40% on Friday. This rise in humidity levels and light wind speeds could help lower fire activity and reduce smoke levels.
Closures in the Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves national forests
Because of the Horton Fire, an emergency closure order was scheduled to remain in effect until Jan. 31, 2025. The Forest Service urged people to avoid the area to ensure the safety of fire crews and the public.
Recreation sites in the area are closed, including the Lower and Upper Tonto Creek Campgrounds, the Horton Creek Day Use Area, the Hatchery Trailhead, the Horton Trailhead and the See Canyon Trailhead.
A section of Forest Road 300 is closed between Forest Road 115 and Forest Road 89. The rest of Forest Road 300 will remain open, along with State Route 260 and Christopher Creek Loop Road.
Other road closures include Forest Road 289, Forest Road 208S and Forest Road 284.
The following non-motorized trails are closed near the fire: Trail 31 Highline, Trail 32 Derrick Spur, Trail 33 Derrick, Trail 184 See Canyon, Trail 185 See Spring, Trail 285 Horton Creek, and Trail 292 Horton Spring.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Horton Fire northeast of Payson now 17% contained