The human-caused Horton Fire northeast of Payson continued to burn nearly 900 acres of forest along the Mogollon Rim on Wednesday morning, as about 150 firefighters and personnel were on-site to battle the blaze over the holiday week.
Containment stagnated at 15%, the same figure two days ago, but fire activity remained minimal on Wednesday, according to Tonto National Forest officials in a news release.
“Slow and smoldering” fire conditions allowed crews to limit the perimeter of the blaze and extinguish hotspots, according to the National Forest, which noted the risk of spread was not over.
A map of the Horton Fire burning northeast of Payson on Dec. 25, 2024.
Fire containment steadies, further spread not ruled out
Authorities said there was potential for growth in the east Horton Creek drainage area.
“Firefighters will hold fire south of Forest Road 300, east of Horton Trail and north of Highway 260,” read the news release.
The wildfire threatened nearby communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery and Zane Grey Cabins, which were on a pre-evacuation “Set” status and must be prepared to leave at the notice of authorities.
The fire already caused an emergency closure of the nearby forest through Jan. 25, 2025.
Weather conditions ease spread of Horton Fire
A rise in humidity levels to between 30% and 40% helped lower fire activity, resulting in less smoke seen in the area.
There was no significant rain or snow expected in the area, according to the National Forest.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality noted in a forecast that smoke would move northeast along the Mogollon Rim before lighter overnight winds caused smoke to drain into Horton and Tonto creeks on Tuesday morning.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Horton Fire containment unchanged midway through holiday week