Wildcat Fire expands to 12,100 acres, causes road closures near Bartlett Lake

PHOENIX – A new wildfire that broke out northeast of Cave Creek on Saturday is estimated at 12,100 acres.

It was called the Wild fire and was first reported at 9:20 a.m. on May 18.

According to a press release, Geronimo and Prescott top teams, air tankers and a helicopter were ordered to fight the fire. Scottsdale Fire also helped contain the fire.

Groups were being escorted out of Bartlett Lake to safety as the unpredictability of the fire threatened people in the area.

For now, authorities say what’s burning is desert grass and shrubs.

The National Interagency Fire Center said the fire was human caused.

“Smoke from the Wildcat Fire may be visible in surrounding areas for several days. Smoke will drift north and east due to southwest winds. People sensitive to smoke and people with respiratory problems or heart conditions are encouraged to take precautionary measures,” the U.S. Forest Service said Sunday afternoon.

Road closures

The roads were closed near the intersection of Horseshoe Dam and Bartlett Dam Roads, as authorities said the fire was burning on both sides of Bartlett Dam Road.

Tonto National Forest officials have barred the public from entering the Cava Creek Ranger District Forest, saying the closure was to protect the public from the “uncontrolled” fire.

Map of where the fire is located: