Brush fire closes portion of SR 87 south of Payson

DEER CREEK, AZ (AZFamily) — A growing brush fire has prompted the partial closure of a main highway connecting the Valley to eastern Arizona.

Tonto National Forest officials say the Oak Fire is three to five acres in size as of noon and is burning in the median and east side of SR 87 near milepost 234. Fire crews are on scene.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said State Route 87 is closed in both directions about 15 miles south of Payson.

State Route 87 was briefly closed in both directions near SR-188, about 15 miles south of Payson, but southbound traffic has since reopened. The northbound lanes of SR 87 remained closed at Bush Highway (milepost 199).

Drivers should plan for delays and consider alternate routes.

UPDATE: Southbound SR 87 has reopened. However, the left lane is closed at milepost 234; be prepared for delays in that area. Northbound remains closed at Bush Highway.

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) June 13, 2025

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