Gila County sheriff's deputies are searching for an Arizona fire chief who was reported overdue while hiking the Arizona Trail from Sunflower to Doll Baby Ranch in the Mazatzal Wilderness southwest of Payson.

Gary Morris, 73, is the fire chief for the Pine-Strawberry Fire District and a member of the Tonto Rim Search and Rescue. The Gila County Sheriff's Office received a call about 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday reporting Morris was due back but hadn't been heard from.

Officials didn't specify when Morris began his hike or when he was last seen.

An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter searched for Morris around the area but was unable to locate him. Officials say the search will continue Wednesday morning.

This is a developing story. Check back with azcentral.com for updates.

Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at 602-444-2474 or perry.vandell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @PerryVandell.

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