Arizona fire crews hope winds stay light as they battle blaze on forest land near Flagstaff

Light winds help crews get handle on Ariz. blaze

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Fire crews in Arizona are hoping the winds cooperate as they battle a wildfire burning about 10 miles northeast of Flagstaff.

Fire information officer Erin Phelps says winds should be around 10 to 15 mph Friday. Wind gusts of up to 70 mph fanned the flames Thursday afternoon, causing the blaze to spread.

The fire burning on Coconino National Forest land is 30 percent contained. It’s burned about 550 acres.

Phelps says crews plan to spend Friday securing the perimeter of the fire and mopping up hot spots to get ahead of expected higher winds on Saturday.

Authorities say the fire was human-caused. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is reviewing the activities of a field crew doing welding maintenance work on a wildlife water catchment when the fire started.