(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency Monday in Coconino County in response to the Tinder Fire.
The fire has burned 8,623 acres since it began Friday, according to the US Forest Service. The cause of the fire is unknown, CNN affiliate KNXV-TV reports.
“I’m issuing today’s declaration to ensure that they have the necessary resources to protect the lives, pets and property of Arizonans,” Ducey said in a statement.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office ordered evacuations Sunday for communities north, east and west of Highway 87. The evacuations will be in effect until further notice, KNXV-TV reports. An evacuation site was set up at a Navajo casino resort, after being moved from a junior high school because of smoke.
“Public safety is a top priority,” Ducey’s statement said.
A total of 1,000 structures are threatened by the Tinder Fire, KNXV-TV reports, and about 500 personnel, including 7 hotshot crews, are fighting the blaze.
Fire officials said the blaze had “major growth” on Sunday, CNN affiliate KOLD-TV reports.
(CNN)
