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Arizona forest fire threatens town of Greer and others Arizona forest fire threatens town of Greer and others
(about 14 hours later)
Fire crews are battling to contain a massive blaze in Arizona that is threatening mountain communities in the east of the state. More than 2,300 firefighters are battling one of the largest blazes ever to break out in the state of Arizona.
The fire, covering 225 sq miles (583 sq km) is being described as the third largest in the state's history. The rapidly moving fire, covering 287 sq miles (743 sq km), is threatening mountain communities in the east of the state.
Smoke from the burning pine forests can be seen in neighbouring New Mexico and Colorado. Smoke from the burning pine forests can be seen in the neighbouring states of New Mexico and Colorado.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, who flew over the fire, described the rapidly moving blaze as a "frightening sight". Forecasters said conditions could get worse on Monday as winds are expected to pick up.
The fire was expected to grow, given a forecast for winds and lightning. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, who flew over the fire, described it as "horrific".
Most residents of the resort town of Greer, in the White Mountains, left on Saturday, packing their belongings in to vehicles as what is being called the "Wallow Fire" moved closer.Most residents of the resort town of Greer, in the White Mountains, left on Saturday, packing their belongings in to vehicles as what is being called the "Wallow Fire" moved closer.
On Sunday, the town was shrouded in smoke. The few who remain in the town, just seven miles (11km) from the fire's frontline, are under a pre-evacuation order, ready to leave at short notice.
The towns of Alpine and Nutrioso were also menaced by the fire and residents who had not already left were standing by to evacuate. Residents in the towns of Alpine and Nutrioso are also standing by to evacuate.
Several towns near the New Mexico border - including Escudilla Mountain Estates, Bonita and Dog Patch - were evacuated on Sunday.
Fire crews were lighting lines of smaller controlled fires in an effort to contain the advance of the wind-driven main blaze.Fire crews were lighting lines of smaller controlled fires in an effort to contain the advance of the wind-driven main blaze.
"It gives a much greater chance of it having diminished fire behaviour as it approaches the lines," fire information officer Peter Frenzen told the Associated Press. Some 2,315 firefighters from several states, including New York, are on the scene fighting the blaze, according to local media, at a total cost of $3m (£1.83m).
About 1,300 firefighters from across the United States were battling the fire, said Brad Pitassi, a spokesman for the area fire management team. It is being described as the third largest fire in the state's history.
The fire is dwarfed in Arizona only by one in 2002 that burnt through 732 sq miles in the centre of the state and another in 2005 that scorched 387 sq miles near Phoenix. A blaze in 2002 burnt through 732 sq miles in the centre of the state and another in 2005 that scorched 387 sq miles near Phoenix.