Break in windy weather to help crews at Ariz. fire

SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. (AP) — A massive wildfire in eastern Arizona has now burned 639 square miles of forest and is likely to spread into New Mexico soon if it hasn’t already crossed the border.

Fire spokesman Jim Whittington said today the blaze in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest has destroyed 31 homes or cabins, including 22 in the picturesque mountain community of Greer.

But Whittington says lighter winds Thursday and today have helped the 3,000 firefighters on the lines make good progress.

Authorities will not let the nearly 10,000 people evacuated from two towns and several mountain communities return until they’re sure the residents will be safe.

He also says higher winds expected Saturday will be a challenge and the blaze will grow.