Firefighters make significant progress against northern Arizona blaze

PHOENIX — A human-caused brush fire burning this week near Heber-Overgaard in northern Arizona was 55 percent contained as of Thursday morning, authorities said.

The blaze, which began Monday and was being called the 377 Fire, had consumed around 4,500 acres, a downgrade from previous estimates due to more accurate mapping.

State Route 377 between Holbrook and Heber-Overgaard, which had been closed since the fire started, was reopened Thursday night.

In the latest update, officials said crews would continue reinforcing, mopping up, monitoring and patrolling the fire lines.

Around 280 personnel were assigned to scene on the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Wednesday’s work resulted in a significant increase in the containment percentage, and an evacuation order for the area was lifted.

Two firefighters received minor injuries Wednesday, when they were treated and released from an area hospital.

The fire knocked out power in the area Monday and Tuesday.

Navajo County Sheriff’s officials said the fire was caused by someone dragging a tailgate from a trailer.

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