Fire in northern Arizona reaches 61 percent contained
Jun 14, 2016, 8:19 AM
(SWIMT3 Photo)
PHOENIX — Officials said a fire in northern Arizona that forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents has been mostly inactive and was 61 percent contained early Tuesday.
The Tenderfoot Fire burning near Yarnell, Arizona has consumed 4,087 acres. Firefighters will monitor the perimeter, build fire lines, reinforce existing lines, protect structures and focus on hot spots.
Authorities said there was no new growth and that fire activity was limited. On Monday, there was still visible smoke and a few hot spots.
Crews have already put in place fire lines or other containment around three-fifths of the perimeter.
A rainstorm over the weekend helped with control efforts. The fire has been fueled by oak, grassland and brush.
The human-caused fire has been burning for nearly a week.
Nearly 300 residents of Yarnell and neighboring Peeples Valley were forced out of their homes but all were back home as of Monday.
Reduced speed limits remained in effect in Yarnell. Highway 89 was reopened last week.
A fire in Yarnell in June 2013 destroyed nearly 130 homes and killed all but one of the 20 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots.
The elite firefighting crew was caught in the flames of the Yarnell Hill blaze after winds shifted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.