The Whitlow Fire west of Superior was 50% contained Wednesday evening after swelling to more than 800 acres, officials said. 

The wildfire started on Tuesday in the Tonto National Forest near Hewitt Station Road north of Highway 60 and west of Superior, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It was about 400 acres and 0% contained Tuesday evening.

No structures have been threatened and no evacuations were in place. It was still not clear what started the blaze. 

Two hotshot crews, three engines, one ambulance and representatives from both the Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service were on site to fight the fire on Wednesday.

The updated acreage is due to more accurate mapping, and that favorable weather and decreased fire intensity allowed firefighters to extinguish hot spots and build a fire line, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Firefighters will continue suppression operations this week as they work toward full containment.

Officials encouraged people to avoid the area while crews work.

“The firefighters on the Whitlow Fire appreciate the support that has been shown and are honored to provide fire management services to the community,” said a Facebook post from the U.S. Forest Service. “As we continue into fire season this year, please be careful with all fire, and ignition sources.”

The Whitlow Fire is one of the first notable wildfires of the 2020 season. Officials banned campfires in all six national forests across the state starting Wednesday at 5 p.m., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The ban prohibits igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire in the forests until June 30, or until revoked, the release detailed. 

Pressurized liquid or gas devices such as stoves, grills or lanterns, with shutoff valves are still allowed in areas at least 3 feet away from any flammable materials. 

Reach the reporters at [email protected] and [email protected]. Follow them on Twitter @jamielanderstv and @Connor_VL.

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