GILA COUNTY, AZ (AZFamily) -- People in an area just north of Payson are being told to evacuate due to the Washington Fire.
The wildfire broke out Wednesday afternoon one mile northwest of Washington Park in the Payson Ranger District. Initially, the fire was reported to be 5 acres, but it grew to up to 15 acres by Wednesday night.
On Thursday morning, Gila County issued a "GO" evacuation order for people in Mountain Meadows Ranch and Washington Park. The "GO" order means there is imminent, life-threatening danger, and people this area should evacuate immediately. If anyone chooses to stay, emergency services may not be able to provide assistance.
It's unknown what caused this fire.
Residents should avoid the closed area to give emergency personnel the space to respond appropriately.
Several wildfires are burning in Arizona, including the over 140,000-acre Dragon Bravo Fire that has been burning since July 4 and destroyed over 70 structures at the Grand Canyon North Rim.