The Central Fire, located east of Interstate 17 between Anthem and New River, has burned 503 acres and was 20% contained as of Sunday morning, Tonto National Forest fire officials said.

The Department of Forestry transferred the fire command to Tonto National Forest personnel late Saturday when the fire moved north into the forest. 

The fire was moving northeast, away from homes or structures, Anne Thomas, spokeswoman for Tonto National Forest fires said. 

Thomas said about 80 to 100 fire personnel, including two hotshot crews and five engines, were fighting the fire Sunday.

Fire personnel were working to keep the fire within the same acreage and increase the containment percentage Sunday, Thomas said. Acreage and containment remained the same from Saturday night.

Air support was on stand-by as fire personnel believed the air tankers would not be needed, Thomas said. 

There were no evacuations or closures as of Sunday morning, Thomas said. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Breaking News Intern Molly Hudson can be reached at [email protected] and follow her on twitter @AsuMollyh

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