Some residents allowed to return to homes as crews make progress fighting Arizona wildfire

Some allowed to return home as Arizona fire burns

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Some Arizona residents who had to flee their homes because of a wildfire are being allowed to return.

An estimated 1,000 Flagstaff-area residents were forced to evacuate. Officials began letting some of them back in their homes around 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors chairwoman Liz Archuleta was there to welcome about 25 people back.

Meanwhile, crews battling the Schultz fire near Flagstaff reported they are making progress and the fire is about 20 percent contained.

Fire information officer Larry Tunforss (TOON’-force) says 14,000 acres — or about 22 square miles — have burned.

Fire bosses say they expect it to take a few weeks before the fire is extinguished.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A fire near Flagstaff, Arizona, is 20 percent contained.

Fire information officer Larry Tunforss (TOON’-force) told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the fire has burned 14,000 acres.

More burnout operations are planned late Wednesday to help remove dead trees and brush that fuel a wildfire.

The fire once threatened homes and forced evacuations, but that threat has subsided. Still, residents haven’t been able to return home because of heavy smoke in the area. Winds are light and instead of blowing out, smoke has drifted into evacuated neighborhoods.

Overnight, crews worked the fire perimeter as they attempted to contain more of the blaze. Fire bosses say they expect the wildfire to be out in a few weeks.