An Arizona wildfire that broke out near Flagstaff Tuesday is causing safety concerns as it continues to grow consuming over 4,000 acres of land. Many people are being forced to evacuate their homes.
According to Time , Approxiamtely 4,500 acres of land are engulfed in flames near Flagstaff and Sedona. The wildfire has gotten out of control and has grown 10 times its original size in just the first 24 hours. Several hundred firefighters are working hard to tame it, but the strong winds have made it impossible for aircraft firefighters to aid.
Many home owners are devastated and refuse to leave their homes until they are forced to. Officials will demand that people leave their homes if the fire make it to the other side of State Route 89 and is within three miles of communities. The fire is also dangerously close to Flagstaff, a popular city that tourists frequent.
Firefighter numbers are to reach around 700, officials announced Thursday. The Flagstaff fire captain, Bill Morse has high hopes that this fire is going to end soon despite the threat of wind making the fire worse. “We’re making a lot of difference. Things are moving forward”, he said. NBC News noted.
The fire has caused many roads to shut down and for the Coconino National Forest authorities to announce that people should begin packing now. The fire has yet to affect any buildings.