Major traffic backup on I-17 due to brush fire near Lake Montezuma

Drivers experienced a major back up on Interstate 17 near Lake Montezuma on Sunday afternoon, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A brush fire in the area caused delays north of Highway 69 at milepost 267 and extended south of Black Canyon City at milepost 236.

"Drivers are encouraged to either postpone travel or use alternate routes to Phoenix," ADOT said.

Late Sunday night, ADOT stated that the southbound lanes of I-17 were only seeing minor delays through Black Canyon City, between mileposts 248 and 241.