Wildcat Fire no longer contained, but still burning north of Phoenix

PHOENIX – The Wildcat Fire is 64% contained as of Friday afternoon.

It continues to burn grass and brush in the Cave Creek Ranger District, which is east of the Desert Mountain community and the Tonto Hills development. This area is west of Bartlett Lake Reservoir.

The human-caused fire broke out Saturday, authorities said. It burned 14,402 acres. At times over the past six days, strong winds in the area have exacerbated the flames.

Several road closures have also been lifted.

Officials reopened Bartlett Dam Road and Horseshoe Dam Road on Thursday. They advised motorists to be vigilant and keep an eye out for firefighters and their equipment in the area.

Wildcat Fire is 64% contained. And after?

Fire officials said they don't expect the Wildcat Fire to grow overnight. In fact, there was no fire growth on Thursday. They also don't think he will leave the existing perimeter in the coming days.

“Low relative humidity and warmer conditions will continue over the next few days,” according to West Central Arizona. “A dry weather system entering the area today will produce erratic and gusty southwest winds, gusting to 25 to 30 miles per hour in the afternoon.”

As of Friday afternoon, 110 people were on site, along with two crews, seven fire trucks and two water tankers.