2nd fire forces evacuations near Flagstaff, Ariz.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- Fire officials say a second wildfire is forcing evacuations in neighborhoods north of Flagstaff, Ariz.
Coconino County authorities say the Timberline Estates, Wupatki Trails and the Fernwood neighborhood are being evacuated.
Fire information officials could not immediately say how many people were being asked to leave their homes.
Coconino National Forest spokeswoman Karen Malis-Clark says the blaze was spotted Sunday afternoon on the north end of Shultz Pass, between the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden. She says the fire is torching treetops and sending up an impressive column of smoke.
Hot shot crews, helicopters and air tankers are fighting the flames.
Crews closer to Flagstaff have been busy fighting the 350-acre Hardy fire, which has forced the evacuation of about 170 homes. A California man has been arrested on suspicion of causing the blaze by leaving behind hot coals from a campfire.
