Thousands More Flee Arizona Fires

Two more Arizona towns were evacuated Wednesday after a 607-square-mile wildfire threatened to cause rolling blackouts as far away as New Mexico and Texas. Officials ordered about 7,000 people to flee the towns of Springerville and Eagar, despite the efforts of firefighters to create a line to protect the areas. “I’ve seen lots of fires, but nothing like this,” said Springerville resident Daric Knight. If the fire is not contained, it’s expected to hit power lines on Friday, which would mean rolling blackouts for Texas and New Mexico. So far, the blaze has burned through 389,000 acres and destroyed 11 buildings, but luckily no serious injuries have been reported.