The Verde Fire, which was sparked by lightning Saturday night north of Fountain Hills, had grown to about 2,000 acres as of Monday evening, and fire activity had increased because of high winds, Tonto National Forest Officials said.
The fire, which was burning about two miles northeast of the Fort McDowell Reservation and four miles northeast of Rio Verde, had no containment as of late Monday, officials aid.
Flames and smoke were visible from parts of Fort McDowell, Fountain Hills, Rio Verde and Vista Verde, forest officials said late Monday.
Winds stirred from monsoon storm outflows late Monday had pushed the fire further south.
A Type 3 incident command team was ordered to assume command if necessary. Fire crews, in the meantime, were monitoring the fire's growth, officials said in a statement Monday night.