Arizona declares state of emergency for wildfire

Washington, May 2 (IANS) The US state of Arizona has declared a state of emergency over a wildfire which has burned 11,420 acres with zero per cent containment since it began on April 27.

"I'm issuing today's declaration to ensure that they have the necessary resources to protect the lives, pets and property of Arizonans," Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said.

The "Tinder Fire" burning near Flagstaff was caused by an abandoned illegal campfire on April 27, CNN quoted the Coconino National Forest authorities as saying on Tuesday.

The area has been under stage two restrictions -- which totally prohibits campfires -- since Tuesday.

"Any time we enter restrictions or have even closed the forest, we still continue to find abandoned and illegal campfires," said Andy Pederson, with US Forest Service. 

"This shows extreme lack of care for public safety and our natural resources when people would have an illegal campfire, much less abandon an illegal campfire."

More than 1,000 structures are currently threatened by the Tinder Fire, and about 559 personnel, including 15 hotshot crews, are fighting the blaze.

Fire officials said the blaze had "major growth" on Sunday, CNN reported.

The Coconino National Forest tweeted that winds were blowing very hard east-southeast with gusts up to 30 mph.

The fire also caused major road closures, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.