Bush Highway remains closed in Mesa due to Cactus Fire

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - It was a busy day for fire crews as they worked to get control of several wildfires in our state, including the Cactus Fire, which is burning close to home in the Tonto National Forest near Mesa.

The wildfire has been burning since Tuesday evening and there is 10 percent containment at this point. Crews estimate it has grown to 200 acres. About four dozen crews are battling the fire between the Bush Highway and the Salt River bottom from the ground and the air.

There is concern about a herd of wild horses that live in the area. Volunteers with the Salt River Wild Horse Management group are monitoring the horses, which have moved to safety. It appears that they've taken shelter under trees and not in danger.

Officials say two neighborhoods near the fire, Las Sendas and Red Mountain Ranch, do not have homes in danger. So far, the main complaints from residents are regarding the smoke.

"We don't really anticipate any threats to any houses.. burning back close to town or anything like that," said Rocky Gilbert, District Ranger of the Tonto National Forest. "We're really sitting in a good spot.. I wouldn't think any homeowners would have to worry about anything."

The Bush Highway remains closed between Power Road and Usery Park Road. There is no timeframe for when it will re-open.

Authorities say the Cactus Fire is human-caused and it remains under investigation.

>>Cactus Fire updates: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5167

>>VIDEO from the scene: facebook.com/FOX10Phoenix/videos/1353678158014061