The Wildcat Fire has grown to 5,000 acres after first being reported Saturday morning, authorities said.

Firefighters responded just after 9:20 a.m. May 18 to the Tonto National Forest near Vista Verde north of Dynamite Boulevard and 136^th Street.

Smoke from the blaze on the Cave Creek Ranger District could be seen in the East Valley, according to reports.

The initial response operation included the Geronimo and Prescott hotshot crews, three engines, air attack, an air tanker and one helicopter, according to the Tonto National Forest officials.

Crews from Scottsdale and Mesa joined the effort later in the operation, and officials said Saturday more assistance will be needed.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office closed Bartlett Dam Road “as the fire is burning on both sides of the road and visitors are carefully being escorted from Bartlett Lake,” forest service officials reported.