A wildfire dubbed the “Pumpkin Fire” in the Tonto Basin area has caused roughly 100 people to be evacuated as fire crews battle a blaze that is threatening nearby homes.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management tweeted at 4:54 p.m. that the fire had grown to about 175 acres, but fire crews had stopped its forward progress and secured nearby buildings.

The Arizona Department of Transportation tweeted that the wildfire shut down traffic on State Route 188 in both directions west of Punkin Center.

Mike Johnson, a chief deputy with the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, told The Arizona Republic during a phone interview on Monday that deputies went door-to-door informing people they need evacuate to Payson where Gila County Emergency Services is erecting a temporary shelter.

Johnson said he didn’t know the likelihood of additional evacuations becoming necessary as strong winds and dry vegetation made the fire’s path difficult to predict.

“With fires and the wind and as dry as it’s been you never know anymore,” Johnson said. “Things change at a moment’s notice with that stuff.”

He recommended those in the area who hadn’t yet been evacuated to pack personal items like important documents and medications in advance.

The cause of the fire was not immediately available as of Monday afternoon.

Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at 602-444-2474 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @PerryVandell.

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