End Time Headlines BY END TIME HEADLINES STAFF
As more than 500 firefighters battled massive flames across the Southwest, helicopters buzzed overhead with buckets of water for the first time on Thursday. Over the past week, at least half of a dozen wildfires raced across Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico andĀ AccuWeather forecasters warnedĀ that the spring winds combined with little precipitation and warm weather would only help fuel the fires.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated due to wildfires burning across the Southwest. In Arizona, part of the Coconino National Forest, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument outside of Flagstaff, and other popular lakes and monuments have closed. Fire restrictions went into effect Friday for National Park Services in New Mexico.
Nearly 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, the home of Northern Arizona University, the Tunnel Fire has exploded in size since igniting on Sunday as a small fire. As of Saturday morning, the Tunnel Fire has burned more than 21,000 acres and is 3% contained.
