Wildfires Force Evacuations in Arizona

[Eugene]

Wildfires Force Evacuations in Arizona

SEDONA, Ariz. Jun 19, 2006 (AP)— A wildfire that quickly grew to more than 1,000 acres
forced the evacuation Sunday of about 400 homes and businesses in an unincorporated area
in Oak Creek Canyon, a scenic area in northern Arizona, officials said.

Crews manning fire engines spread out throughout the area to defend the homes, fire
officials said. There were no reports late Sunday of any homes being damaged or destroyed
but the potential existed.

The flames were less than a mile from the nearest Oak Creek Canyon homes, said Kristy
Bryner, a fire information officer. "It's going to be quite a fight not to lose them,"
said Bryner. "This is very active fire behavior."

<snip>

The fast-moving fire ignited Sunday afternoon in a wooded area and quickly led to the
evacuations of about 180 homes in five Sedona subdivisions and Oak Creek Canyon, a popular
scenic area in Coconino County between Sedona and Flagstaff. The fire's cause was unknown,
although authorities said there was no lightning Sunday.

<snip>

Full article: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2092016