TUCSON – A wildfire burning in eastern Arizona near the New Mexico border is 15 to 20 percent contained. The fire started Tuesday afternoon located north-northwest of Springerville.
The Arizona State Forestry Division says the fire has burned 5,000 acres. Unburned interior islands will continue to flare up throughout the night with visible flames, officials said.
The fire started along the north side of U.S. 60 and is burning grassland and shrubs.
Winds have begun to decrease and will likely continue decreasing to 10 mph or less Wednesday morning. Very dry conditions will continue into Wednesday and Thursday. Lighter southwest breezes are expected with continued above average daytime highs.
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution within the vicinity of this fire due to the presence of multiple emergency response vehicles.