Yesterday, shortly after 1pm, Verde Valley Fire was called to a vehicle fire on Highway 89A north of Cottonwood near Oak Creek Valley Road. Chief Nazih Hazime says a VW van caught fire on the side of 89A near Oak Creek Valley Road . The flames spread to the nearby grasses then, driven by high winds, crossed 89A and continued on the other side traveling in a north, north western direction. He says the fire burned approximately 40 acres. Hazime says crews are on scene today continuing mop up operations. The Sheep Fire, as it was called, caused the closure of 89A in both directions for several hours.
