Some homeowners can return despite Southwest wildfires

SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) -- Some of the residents evacuated from scenic Oak Creek Canyon because of a 4,200-acre wildfire were allowed to return to their homes Saturday as crews reinforced their lines around the blaze, officials said.
Residents of roughly 430 homes and 30 businesses lining the narrow canyon in northern Arizona have been forced to stay elsewhere for nearly a week and were told Friday that they might be allowed to return in two to four days.
On Saturday, however, the evacuation order was lifted for about 75 homes and four resorts north of Slide Rock State Park, said Jon Paxton, a deputy with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.
Crews had become confident that two days of work to strengthen the lines keeping flames from moving farther north up the canyon had been successful.
No homes have burned. Officials said the fire was 20 percent contained, with full containment predicted by Wednesday, barring any weather disturbances that could push the flames.
"It's still not a done deal," incident commander Paul Broyles said.
late Friday. "I'm not going to guarantee we've completely turned the corner just yet."
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