Three homes, five outbuildings and several vehicles have been destroyed by the Sears Fire, which has grown to 9,200 acres northeast of Phoenix near Bartlett Lake and remains at 0% containment as of Sunday morning, according to officials. 

After fire officials completed a damage assessment in the area around Sears Kay Ranch, preliminary findings showed three homes, five outbuildings or sheds and several vehicles were destroyed by the fire, according to a Tonto National Service press release on Sunday.

Firefighters first responded to the brush fire Friday afternoon near Forest Service Road 24 and Sears Kay Ranch. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighters are continuing suppression operations near Humboldt Mountain and are using a combination of direct, indirect and zone protections, according to the release. This wildfire response strategy is used to protect specific assets or “highly valued resources” from the fire, the release said.  

Fire crews are also constructing firelines and air support is dropping retardant and water in an attempt to contain and suppress the fire, according to the report. KV powerlines in the area also remain impacted by the smoke, according to the release. 

On Saturday at noon, the fire prompted a closure for the lake, marina, Bartlett Dam Road, Seven Springs Road and Seven Springs recreation sites. The closure will remain in effect until further notice and can be viewed online at inciweb. 

The closure also includes all National Forest lands, roads and trails in the area.

Saturday’s operation was focused on preventing the fire from damaging Camp Creek recreation residences, the release said. 

Twelve engines, three hand crews, one air attack plane, three air tankers, two single-engine air tankers and two helicopters are currently assigned to the fire, along with other additional resources, according to the release. 

Anyone who is concerned should contact their local county sheriff’s office to sign up for alerts and emergency evacuation notifications. 

Officials are asking people to avoid the area so suppression resources can travel safely to and throughout the area. 

Stage 1 fire restrictions are also in effect across Tonto National Forest, which can be found online on Tonto National Forest’s website, according to the release. 

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