Sugar Fire grows to 240 acres northeast of Fort McDowell

A small brush fire has grown to 240 acres in the Tonto National Forest. Officials said it was 30% contained around 6 p.m. on Saturday.

According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, Tonto National Forest said the Sugar Fire grew to nearly 100 acres by 1:48 p.m. and began southwest of Sugarloaf Mountain, west of State Route 87 and north of the Bush Highway.

It started as a small brush fire but has reportedly grown past 200 acres by 4:45 p.m.

The blaze had reportedly hopped Sycamore Creek Road (FR 402), which is an access road to Sugarloaf Mountain, northwest of the fire.

Air tankers, Hot Shot crews, fire engines and a helicopter have been dispatched to subdue the flames.

The fire was first reported around 11:35 a.m. on Saturday.

Firefighters have asked the public to avoid the area for the time being.