Cedar Fire now 30 percent contained (Arizona White Mountains) [View all]

[DesertRat]

It's been a very tense few days in our beautiful White Mountains, but finally some cautious optimism.

Fire officials say the Cedar Creek fire near Show Low is now 30 percent contained.

According to reports, the fire flared up Friday afternoon on the southeastern edge of the fire, creating additional smoke. But the fire did not jump any of the containment lines firefighters had created on the eastern side. Firefighters intentionally burned areas of Long Tom Canyon to remove some of the fuels that could cause the fire to flare up in that area. The has now burned 12,140 acres.

Over the next day, the fire is expected to continue to spread on the south and east side due to firefighter burnout operations, resulting in increased smoke and an increase in the acres burned on the eastern and southeastern edge of the fire. Increased fire activity is expected Saturday afternoon due to higher temperatures and continued dry conditions. But fire officials said crews will continue to work to hold the fire to designated areas.

If the fire were to jump fire lines, evacuations could still be ordered for Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside and McNary. That covers about 20,000 people, Navajo County officials say. Hon-Dah and the entire White River Indian Reservation are off the list.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2016/06/18/arizona-cedar-creek-fire-show-low-containment/86084274/