"Western Wildfires Force Evacuations, Shut Down Recreation"

"FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A wildfire in northern Arizona crept closer to the region’s largest city Tuesday, threatening to force people from their homes.

The lightning-caused fire near Flagstaff was one of dozens that have scorched large swaths of the U.S. West and kept firefighters busy as they hold out hope that the monsoon season will deliver some significant rain.

It made a significant run Monday but slowed its growth overnight. Crews were busy Tuesday identifying features in the landscape that could help slow the blaze that has burned 38 square miles (99 square kilometers).

“There’s a lot of vegetation out there that’s very old, has not had fire in it in a very long time and now has either been stressed or killed because of the drought,” fire information officer Noel Fletcher said. “It’s a lot of standing, dead fuel.”"

Felicia Fonseca reports for the Associated Press June 23, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"Biden To Meet With Governors On Weather, Hike Salaries For Firefighters" (Reuters)

"Western Washington Enters Dangerous Wildfire Territory Ahead Of Weekend Heatwave" (MYNorthwest)

"Parts Of Western Colorado Face Months Of Above-Normal Chance For Significant Wildfire Activity" (Colorado Public Radio)

"Wildfires Erupt After Hottest Week In History Across Parts Of The West Ignited Them" (NBC News)

Source: AP, 06/23/2021