PHOENIX — Containment of the Horton Fire northeast of Payson is nearing 100%, according to authorities. The Arizona wildfire consumed 8,346 acres of National Forest Service land before progress was stopped. Containment was up to 94% as of Friday’s incident report. Crews completed containment efforts along State Route 260 on Thursday, officials said. The remaining focus is on further securing containment, conducting mop up work and assessing the damage. However, the initial assessment from the Burned Area Emergency Response team indicates minimal damage to the soil structure and fine roots within the soil. …The Horton Fire is classified as human-caused, but the exact source remains under investigation. It started Dec. 14 in the area of Promontory Point in Tonto National Forest, about 17 miles from Payson, and spread into Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest land. The initial activity was within steep and rugged terrain on the Mogollon Rim, making it difficult for firefighters to access.
Additional coverage in Payson Roundup by Peter Aleshire: Dry winter already setting records in Arizona