Backbone Fire Is Now 64-Percent Contained As Area Residents Returned Home Sunday

Residents of Strawberry and Hunt Ranch went back home Sunday afternoon. Evacuees from the Backbone Fire returned to their homes at 4 p.m. after crews secured the area. The fire has burned nearly 41-thousand acres and is 64-percent contained with no structures lost. Fuels have dried out from the recent rains and increased fire activity is possible with the low humidity and strong winds. Fire crews are working the fire’s edge looking for any hot spots that remain. They are being supported by drones with infrared and aircraft will conduct bucket drops as needed. Crews are also working on chipping debris along the State Route 260 corridor. On the east side of the fire, crews worked at removing excess water handling equipment around Strawberry and Pine. The fire continues to remain on the east side of the Verde River. There are nearly 700 firefighters currently battling the Backbone Fire.