Fire near Arizona town growing, homes evacuated

[October 03, 2009]  WILLIAMS, Ariz. (AP) -- Authorities say a fire that began as a controlled burn but was whipped out of control by gusty winds has prompted home evacuations in a small northern Arizona city surrounded by forest.

Kabaib National Forest spokeswoman Punky Moore said early Saturday residents in the southwestern section of Williams were told to leave their homes late Friday night.

Fire managers earlier Friday became worried enough to order 10 air tankers from California to fight the flames.

The fire about three miles from Williams was lit on Thursday, but winds shifted and it began to burn outside of planned areas. It was planned to consume about 900 acres, but has now burned an additional 800 acres and continues to grow amid windy conditions.

Moore says about 100 firefighters are battling the blaze.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.