Point Fire grows to almost 5,000 acres in Tonto National Forest

The Point Fire northeast of New River in the Tonto National Forest has grown to 4,854 acres and was at 0% containment Thursday.

The fire has crested New River Mesa, and residents in Cave Creek and Carefree may be able to see smoke and flames, officials said.

Crews first responded to the fire on Tuesday evening and said it was human-caused, but investigators were still determining how it started.

Tonto National Forest officials posted a message on social media Thursday urging the public to avoid Forest Road 41, Spur Cross Road and Cottonwood Trailhead while firefighters were working to contain the fire.

Officials said four engines and one initial attack module were assigned to the fire. No communities were immediately threatened, but residents were encouraged to remain aware by following fire updates and messaging from local emergency agencies.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Point Fire grows to almost 5,000 acres in Tonto National Forest