CENTRAL — It is unknown what started the Butler fire that is burning just north of Reay Lane.
The wildfire, which started Sunday at just before 2 p.m., is consuming salt cedar, and is at 272 acres as of Monday morning. About 40 firefighters are on hand with plans to conduct burn-outs on the east and west ends of the fire.
Two wildfires were sparked this past weekend in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in northern Greenlee County.
The Wildcat fire was started by a lightning strike Sunday about 8 miles northwest of Hannigan Meadow. It’s currently at 4 acres with zero percent containment; however, firefighters have constructed a handline around the perimeter to halt further progression.
The Boggy Creek fire, about 10 miles northwest of Hannigan Meadow, also started from a lightning strike Sunday. It’s at 2 acres with zero percent containment, and a hotshot crew will be dropped in Monday to determine the safest areas to start engagement of firefighting activity.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which means no fires or campfires except in specially designated areas.
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