'Ghost Fire' has burned 88 acres near Lost Dutchman State Park NE of Apache Junction

Hand crews today are working to suppress remaining hot spots at the Ghost Fire that is 40% contained and has burned 88 acres near Lost Dutchman State Park northeast of Apache Junction, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said on X @azstateforestry today.

State Route 88, which had been closed, is open but drivers are asked to use caution along the highway as crews continue to work on both sides of the road, it states.

The fire started Friday and access to Lost Dutchman State Park then was unavailable, the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Fire Management stated on X @BLMAZFire at the time.

“The fire burning along SR88 northeast of Apache Junction is the #GhostFire, mapped at 87 acres. Fire is on state/private and BLM. BLM units are on scene with @azstateforestry,” it stated.

Because of the fire, SR88 westbound was closed near Apache Junction at mile post 201, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The fire was burning on both sides of SR88 with some impact to the state park. Resources included multiple hand crews, water tenders, engines and hand crews, the AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management stated on X @azstateforestr.