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Arizona Forest Fires Keeping Firefighters Busy

The American state of Arizona is dealing with a fire in its most northern section that doesn?t seem to want to stop. As of Wednesday this week, over 2,450 acres had burned through some of the state?s most scenic landscape, and fire departments were pulling all personnel out of certain areas aside from those units battling to save homes. The fire recently made its way down the western wall of Oak Creek Canyon, a popular recreational and camping area, and approached a highway where firefighters said they hoped to force the blaze to a standstill, on State Route 89.

If the fire makes its way across the other side of Oak Creek Canyon, more recreational activity areas along with towns and cities would possibly be in danger, including Flagstaff, Arizona, home of an observatory and of Northern Arizona University. According to one fire information officer, the rapid spread of the fire is disconcerting. ?The concern level is amped up, because it?s happening a little faster than we expected.? If embers from the fire are able to cross State Route 89A, then the task would be that much more difficult.

?We`re hoping when the fire comes down to the line, it won`t be able to throw embers across the highway,? said the fire information officer, Eric Neitzel. ?We`re ready to meet it head-on.? As of Thursday morning, firefighters had successful managed to burn away some potential fuel for the massive wildfire, meaning that if the fire is able to be kept on the west side of Route 89, then the approximately 430 homes and 30 businesses on the east side of 89 face much less of a threat. The fire was started by transients? in a makeshift camp.