The 500 Acres Water Wheel Fire is burning approximately 13 miles northeast of Payson, according to Tonto National Forest officials. The fire is close to Houston Mesa Road (Route 199), the popular Water Wheel Campground and the Whispering Pines subdivision, officials said.
Water Wheel is a popular Payson camping and recreation area.
The Arizona Red Cross has set up a shelter in Payson. The emergency shelter is located at the Payson High School 301 S. McLane Road.
2 heavy air tankers, three helicopters, one water tender, 15 fire engines and five crews are working the fire, according to a released emergency bulletin.
