AP Worldstream
06-25-2006
Dateline: SEDONA, Arizona
Crews fighting a 4,200-acre (1,680-hectare) wildfire outside of Sedona were burning vegetation in an effort to strengthen a protection line and clear the way for more evacuees to return home.
While an evacuation was lifted Saturday for dozens of residents of scenic Oak Creek Canyon, the blaze was still threatening hundreds of homes in the canyon's southern end, where firefighters focused on finishing the protection line.
Authorities said it would be about two days before the remaining evacuees can return home.
The fire was 35 percent contained, and officials hope to have full containment by Wednesday, barring any weather disturbances that could push the flames.
"In my mind, we have crossed the threshold where we are on the offense, chasing it down," said Mike Dondero, deputy incident commander for the fire. "And we are gaining on it real fast."
The fire started June 18 north of Sedona as a transient's campfire and spread to steep terrain above the canyon. No homes have burned.
North of Sedona, officials reopened two roads in Grand Canyon National Park that were closed because of a 15,500-acre (6,270-hectare) wildfire.
The fire raised questions early Saturday about whether would-visitors would be stranded in the park. As fire activity lessened, the road closures were lifted later in the day, fire information officer Bill Kight said.
An unknown number of tourists were voluntarily escorted out of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The North Rim, which is significantly more remote and less popular than the park's main South Rim entrance, remained open to visitors.
The blaze, which had not threatened any property, was allowed to burn since it was discovered June 8 in the Kaibab National Forest after a series of lightning strikes.
Elsewhere, a nearly 48,000-acre (19,400-hectare) blaze in southwestern New Mexico's Gila National Forest was 23 percent contained Saturday. It had destroyed a cabin and was threatening about 80 other structures. It was started by a campfire, officials said.
In Southern California, a 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wildfire in Los Padres National Forest was 85 percent contained, and crews hoped to have it fully contained by late Sunday, officials said. The blaze 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria was started Monday by an electrical short circuit, and had destroyed two sheds and three oil company trailers.
Wildfires have charred nearly 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares) nationwide so far this year, well ahead of the average of just over 1 million acres (405,000 hectares) by this time, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. Huge grass fires that swept Texas and Oklahoma this spring account for much of the increase.
___
On the Net:
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov
Copyright 2006, AP News All Rights Reserved
Firefighters work on protection line to clear way for Arizona evacuees' returnAMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Writer
AP Worldstream
06-25-2006
Dateline: SEDONA, Arizona
Crews fighting a 4,200-acre (1,680-hectare) wildfire outside of Sedona were burning vegetation in an effort to strengthen a protection line and clear the way for more evacuees to return home.
While an evacuation was lifted Saturday for dozens of residents of scenic Oak Creek Canyon, the blaze was still threatening hundreds of homes in the canyon's southern end, where firefighters focused on finishing the protection line.
Authorities said it would be about two days before the remaining evacuees can return home.
The fire was 35 percent contained, and officials hope to have full containment by Wednesday, barring any weather disturbances that could push the flames.
"In my mind, we have crossed the threshold where we are on the offense, chasing it down," said Mike Dondero, deputy incident commander for the fire. "And we are gaining on it real fast."
The fire started June 18 north of Sedona as a transient's campfire and spread to steep terrain above the canyon. No homes have burned.
North of Sedona, officials reopened two roads in Grand Canyon National Park that were closed because of a 15,500-acre (6,270-hectare) wildfire.
The fire raised questions early Saturday about whether would-visitors would be stranded in the park. As fire activity lessened, the road closures were lifted later in the day, fire information officer Bill Kight said.
An unknown number of tourists were voluntarily escorted out of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The North Rim, which is significantly more remote and less popular than the park's main South Rim entrance, remained open to visitors.
The blaze, which had not threatened any property, was allowed to burn since it was discovered June 8 in the Kaibab National Forest after a series of lightning strikes.
Elsewhere, a nearly 48,000-acre (19,400-hectare) blaze in southwestern New Mexico's Gila National Forest was 23 percent contained Saturday. It had destroyed a cabin and was threatening about 80 other structures. It was started by a campfire, officials said.
In Southern California, a 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wildfire in Los Padres National Forest was 85 percent contained, and crews hoped to have it fully contained by late Sunday, officials said. The blaze 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria was started Monday by an electrical short circuit, and had destroyed two sheds and three oil company trailers.
Wildfires have charred nearly 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares) nationwide so far this year, well ahead of the average of just over 1 million acres (405,000 hectares) by this time, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. Huge grass fires that swept Texas and Oklahoma this spring account for much of the increase.
___
On the Net:
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov
Copyright 2006, AP News All Rights Reserved
Firefighters work on protection line to clear way for Arizona evacuees' returnAMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Writer
AP Worldstream
06-25-2006
Dateline: SEDONA, Arizona
Crews fighting a 4,200-acre (1,680-hectare) wildfire outside of Sedona were burning vegetation in an effort to strengthen a protection line and clear the way for more evacuees to return home.
While an evacuation was lifted Saturday for dozens of residents of scenic Oak Creek Canyon, the blaze was still threatening hundreds of homes in the canyon's southern end, where firefighters focused on finishing the protection line.
Authorities said it would be about two days before the remaining evacuees can return home.
The fire was 35 percent contained, and officials hope to have full containment by Wednesday, barring any weather disturbances that could push the flames.
"In my mind, we have crossed the threshold where we are on the offense, chasing it down," said Mike Dondero, deputy incident commander for the fire. "And we are gaining on it real fast."
The fire started June 18 north of Sedona as a transient's campfire and spread to steep terrain above the canyon. No homes have burned.
North of Sedona, officials reopened two roads in Grand Canyon National Park that were closed because of a 15,500-acre (6,270-hectare) wildfire.
The fire raised questions early Saturday about whether would-visitors would be stranded in the park. As fire activity lessened, the road closures were lifted later in the day, fire information officer Bill Kight said.
An unknown number of tourists were voluntarily escorted out of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The North Rim, which is significantly more remote and less popular than the park's main South Rim entrance, remained open to visitors.
The blaze, which had not threatened any property, was allowed to burn since it was discovered June 8 in the Kaibab National Forest after a series of lightning strikes.
Elsewhere, a nearly 48,000-acre (19,400-hectare) blaze in southwestern New Mexico's Gila National Forest was 23 percent contained Saturday. It had destroyed a cabin and was threatening about 80 other structures. It was started by a campfire, officials said.
In Southern California, a 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wildfire in Los Padres National Forest was 85 percent contained, and crews hoped to have it fully contained by late Sunday, officials said. The blaze 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria was started Monday by an electrical short circuit, and had destroyed two sheds and three oil company trailers.
Wildfires have charred nearly 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares) nationwide so far this year, well ahead of the average of just over 1 million acres (405,000 hectares) by this time, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. Huge grass fires that swept Texas and Oklahoma this spring account for much of the increase.
___
On the Net:
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov
Copyright 2006, AP News All Rights Reserved
Firefighters work on protection line to clear way for Arizona evacuees' returnAMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Writer
AP Worldstream
06-25-2006
Dateline: SEDONA, Arizona
Crews fighting a 4,200-acre (1,680-hectare) wildfire outside of Sedona were burning vegetation in an effort to strengthen a protection line and clear the way for more evacuees to return home.
While an evacuation was lifted Saturday for dozens of residents of scenic Oak Creek Canyon, the blaze was still threatening hundreds of homes in the canyon's southern end, where firefighters focused on finishing the protection line.
Authorities said it would be about two days before the remaining evacuees can return home.
The fire was 35 percent contained, and officials hope to have full containment by Wednesday, barring any weather disturbances that could push the flames.
"In my mind, we have crossed the threshold where we are on the offense, chasing it down," said Mike Dondero, deputy incident commander for the fire. "And we are gaining on it real fast."
The fire started June 18 north of Sedona as a transient's campfire and spread to steep terrain above the canyon. No homes have burned.
North of Sedona, officials reopened two roads in Grand Canyon National Park that were closed because of a 15,500-acre (6,270-hectare) wildfire.
The fire raised questions early Saturday about whether would-visitors would be stranded in the park. As fire activity lessened, the road closures were lifted later in the day, fire information officer Bill Kight said.
An unknown number of tourists were voluntarily escorted out of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The North Rim, which is significantly more remote and less popular than the park's main South Rim entrance, remained open to visitors.
The blaze, which had not threatened any property, was allowed to burn since it was discovered June 8 in the Kaibab National Forest after a series of lightning strikes.
Elsewhere, a nearly 48,000-acre (19,400-hectare) blaze in southwestern New Mexico's Gila National Forest was 23 percent contained Saturday. It had destroyed a cabin and was threatening about 80 other structures. It was started by a campfire, officials said.
In Southern California, a 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wildfire in Los Padres National Forest was 85 percent contained, and crews hoped to have it fully contained by late Sunday, officials said. The blaze 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria was started Monday by an electrical short circuit, and had destroyed two sheds and three oil company trailers.
Wildfires have charred nearly 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares) nationwide so far this year, well ahead of the average of just over 1 million acres (405,000 hectares) by this time, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. Huge grass fires that swept Texas and Oklahoma this spring account for much of the increase.
___
On the Net:
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov
Copyright 2006, AP News All Rights Reserved
Firefighters work on protection line to clear way for Arizona evacuees' returnAMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Writer
AP Worldstream
06-25-2006
Dateline: SEDONA, Arizona
Crews fighting a 4,200-acre (1,680-hectare) wildfire outside of Sedona were burning vegetation in an effort to strengthen a protection line and clear the way for more evacuees to return home.
While an evacuation was lifted Saturday for dozens of residents of scenic Oak Creek Canyon, the blaze was still threatening hundreds of homes in the canyon's southern end, where firefighters focused on finishing the protection line.
Authorities said it would be about two days before the remaining evacuees can return home.
The fire was 35 percent contained, and officials hope to have full containment by Wednesday, barring any weather disturbances that could push the flames.
"In my mind, we have crossed the threshold where we are on the offense, chasing it down," said Mike Dondero, deputy incident commander for the fire. "And we are gaining on it real fast."
The fire started June 18 north of Sedona as a transient's campfire and spread to steep terrain above the canyon. No homes have burned.
North of Sedona, officials reopened two roads in Grand Canyon National Park that were closed because of a 15,500-acre (6,270-hectare) wildfire.
The fire raised questions early Saturday about whether would-visitors would be stranded in the park. As fire activity lessened, the road closures were lifted later in the day, fire information officer Bill Kight said.
An unknown number of tourists were voluntarily escorted out of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The North Rim, which is significantly more remote and less popular than the park's main South Rim entrance, remained open to visitors.
The blaze, which had not threatened any property, was allowed to burn since it was discovered June 8 in the Kaibab National Forest after a series of lightning strikes.
Elsewhere, a nearly 48,000-acre (19,400-hectare) blaze in southwestern New Mexico's Gila National Forest was 23 percent contained Saturday. It had destroyed a cabin and was threatening about 80 other structures. It was started by a campfire, officials said.
In Southern California, a 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wildfire in Los Padres National Forest was 85 percent contained, and crews hoped to have it fully contained by late Sunday, officials said. The blaze 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria was started Monday by an electrical short circuit, and had destroyed two sheds and three oil company trailers.
Wildfires have charred nearly 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares) nationwide so far this year, well ahead of the average of just over 1 million acres (405,000 hectares) by this time, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. Huge grass fires that swept Texas and Oklahoma this spring account for much of the increase.
___
On the Net:
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov
Copyright 2006, AP News All Rights Reserved
Firefighters work on protection line to clear way for Arizona evacuees' returnAMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Writer
AP Worldstream
06-25-2006
Dateline: SEDONA, Arizona
Crews fighting a 4,200-acre (1,680-hectare) wildfire outside of Sedona were burning vegetation in an effort to strengthen a protection line and clear the way for more evacuees to return home.
While an evacuation was lifted Saturday for dozens of residents of scenic Oak Creek Canyon, the blaze was still threatening hundreds of homes in the canyon's southern end, where firefighters focused on finishing the protection line.
Authorities said it would be about two days before the remaining evacuees can return home.
The fire was 35 percent contained, and officials hope to have full containment by Wednesday, barring any weather disturbances that could push the flames.
"In my mind, we have crossed the threshold where we are on the offense, chasing it down," said Mike Dondero, deputy incident commander for the fire. "And we are gaining on it real fast."
The fire started June 18 north of Sedona as a transient's campfire and spread to steep terrain above the canyon. No homes have burned.
North of Sedona, officials reopened two roads in Grand Canyon National Park that were closed because of a 15,500-acre (6,270-hectare) wildfire.
The fire raised questions early Saturday about whether would-visitors would be stranded in the park. As fire activity lessened, the road closures were lifted later in the day, fire information officer Bill Kight said.
An unknown number of tourists were voluntarily escorted out of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The North Rim, which is significantly more remote and less popular than the park's main South Rim entrance, remained open to visitors.
The blaze, which had not threatened any property, was allowed to burn since it was discovered June 8 in the Kaibab National Forest after a series of lightning strikes.
Elsewhere, a nearly 48,000-acre (19,400-hectare) blaze in southwestern New Mexico's Gila National Forest was 23 percent contained Saturday. It had destroyed a cabin and was threatening about 80 other structures. It was started by a campfire, officials said.
In Southern California, a 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wildfire in Los Padres National Forest was 85 percent contained, and crews hoped to have it fully contained by late Sunday, officials said. The blaze 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria was started Monday by an electrical short circuit, and had destroyed two sheds and three oil company trailers.
Wildfires have charred nearly 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares) nationwide so far this year, well ahead of the average of just over 1 million acres (405,000 hectares) by this time, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. Huge grass fires that swept Texas and Oklahoma this spring account for much of the increase.
___
On the Net:
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov
Copyright 2006, AP News All Rights Reserved
Firefighters work on protection line to clear way for Arizona evacuees' returnAMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Writer
AP Worldstream
06-25-2006
Dateline: SEDONA, Arizona
Crews fighting a 4,200-acre (1,680-hectare) wildfire outside of Sedona were burning vegetation in an effort to strengthen a protection line and clear the way for more evacuees to return home.
While an evacuation was lifted Saturday for dozens of residents of scenic Oak Creek Canyon, the blaze was still threatening hundreds of homes in the canyon's southern end, where firefighters focused on finishing the protection line.
Authorities said it would be about two days before the remaining evacuees can return home.
The fire was 35 percent contained, and officials hope to have full containment by Wednesday, barring any weather disturbances that could push the flames.
"In my mind, we have crossed the threshold where we are on the offense, chasing it down," said Mike Dondero, deputy incident commander for the fire. "And we are gaining on it real fast."
The fire started June 18 north of Sedona as a transient's campfire and spread to steep terrain above the canyon. No homes have burned.
North of Sedona, officials reopened two roads in Grand Canyon National Park that were closed because of a 15,500-acre (6,270-hectare) wildfire.
The fire raised questions early Saturday about whether would-visitors would be stranded in the park. As fire activity lessened, the road closures were lifted later in the day, fire information officer Bill Kight said.
An unknown number of tourists were voluntarily escorted out of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The North Rim, which is significantly more remote and less popular than the park's main South Rim entrance, remained open to visitors.
The blaze, which had not threatened any property, was allowed to burn since it was discovered June 8 in the Kaibab National Forest after a series of lightning strikes.
Elsewhere, a nearly 48,000-acre (19,400-hectare) blaze in southwestern New Mexico's Gila National Forest was 23 percent contained Saturday. It had destroyed a cabin and was threatening about 80 other structures. It was started by a campfire, officials said.
In Southern California, a 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wildfire in Los Padres National Forest was 85 percent contained, and crews hoped to have it fully contained by late Sunday, officials said. The blaze 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria was started Monday by an electrical short circuit, and had destroyed two sheds and three oil company trailers.
Wildfires have charred nearly 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares) nationwide so far this year, well ahead of the average of just over 1 million acres (405,000 hectares) by this time, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. Huge grass fires that swept Texas and Oklahoma this spring account for much of the increase.
___
On the Net:
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov
Copyright 2006, AP News All Rights Reserved
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