The Schultz fire near Flagstaff, Arizona nearly doubled in size Monday reaching 10,000 acres of land; fire fighters have only 10% of the fire contained Tuesday morning. Officials have arrested a man they believe to be the cause of the second wildfire in the area, the Hardy fire.
No reports of injuries from either fire have been received. Over 800 firefighters are battling high winds and hot temperatures to put the two blazes out. 8 air tankers and 5 helicopters have also joined the fight.
A state of emergency was declared Monday in the areas near Flagstaff and Coconino County, Arizona. Possible rain showers are not predicted until Thursday.
"The fire is torching and crowning, with fire burning at the top of the tree canopies," said Flagstaff city spokeswoman Stephanie Smith.
Another smaller fire, the Hardy Fire broke out Saturday afternoon near Flagstaff and spread to about 300 acres, about 30% of that fire has been contained. A man who had been at a campground has been arrested for leaving hot coals; authorities believe he is responsible for the Hardy fire.
Sunday morning, the Schultz fire ignited and spread quickly because of high winds, and 748 properties were given mandatory evacuations later in the day in two neighborhoods. Officials have recommended that nearby residents put together evacuation kits in case they are asked to evacuate the area.
"It's something that unless you've lived through it, I don't think you can imagine," evacuee Patti Vorhees told CNN. "You literally take your prescriptions, your animals and the clothes on your back."
To see incredible photos of the wildfires burning near Flaggstaff, Arizona and the firefighters fighting it, click here.
See the video below for an update of the fire.
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Source: CNN and Associated Press
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