Rim Fire up north marks one of Arizona’s first fires of 2026

Firefighters managed to slow the further spread of a small wildfire southwest of Forest Lakes in northern Arizona, marking one of the first wildfires in the region in 2026.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Rim Fire started on Black Mesa Road on March 21, approximately 5.5 miles southwest of Forest Lakes. to post on Facebook.

According to Google Maps, Forest Lakes is located about two hours northeast of the Phoenix area and 40 minutes west of Payson.

The Forest Service said the fire grew to an estimated 2 to 3 acres and was caused by human activity.

Crews from Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Tonto National Forest and Forest Lakes Fire District responded to the fire and worked through the night, building a direct fire line, until March 22, according to the Forest Service.

Officials before was evacuated campgrounds north of the fire to State Route 260 as a precaution.

Smoke was visible from State Route 260 and along the Mogollon Rim area, the Forest Service said.

Later updateFirefighters prevented the fire from expanding on March 22, the agency said. The fire was mapped at 1.2 acres. Steep terrain and rolling debris continued to pose security risks for crews, according to the Forest Service.

Rey Covarrubias Jr. covers business and breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at rcovarrubias@azcentral.com and contact him instagram, Topics, blue sky And X (formerly Twitter) At @ReyCJrAZ.

This article was first published in Arizona Republic: Human-caused Rim Fire marks early wildfire start in northern AZ