PHOENIX (AP) — A wind-whipped brush fire that grew to more than 2 square miles (6 square kilometers) now is 70 % contained and authorities say they're getting ready to lift evacuation orders.
More than 130 homes were evacuated Monday as a precaution with some of the homes less than a mile from the fire.
But crews got control of the blaze with the containment figure rising from 20% by Monday afternoon to 50% by nightfall.
Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management officials say if crews continue to have the upper hand, evacuation orders should be lifted Tuesday evening and about 250 people could return home.
The fire is under investigation and believed to be human-caused.
It started Sunday in the community located 33 miles (53 kilometers) north of downtown Phoenix.
