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Crews battling a wildfire near Beaver Creek Wilderness area

Felicia Fonseca/AP

A sign warning of the closure of the national forest surrounding Flagstaff, Ariz., hangs on barbed wire fence on Wednesday June 23, 2021. The Coconino National Forest is one of a handful of forests in Arizona that closed this week amid high fire danger and as resources are stretched thin with blazes burning across the state. (AP Photo/Felicia Fonseca)

By: Associated Press

Posted at 4:27 PM, Jul 12, 2022

and last updated 2022-07-12 19:59:30-04

SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) — Crews were battling a wildfire Tuesday afternoon that broke out north of the Beaver Creek Wilderness area in northern Arizona.

Coconino National Forest officials said the wildfire was reported just before 11 a.m. and the cause was under investigation.

Resources are responding to the 70-plus acre #CasnerFire, located north of Beaver Creek Wilderness (GPS coordinates: 34°41'18.4"N 111°39'28.4"W). More info to come.

Read more: https://t.co/QNDsI27PfG pic.twitter.com/D4OE5URcVw
— Coconino NF (@CoconinoNF) July 12, 2022

They said the wildfire was estimated at more than 70 acres and moving in a north-northeast direction, but no structures were immediately threatened.

Forest officials said two hotshot crews were at the scene along with two helicopters, two single-engine air tankers, two large air tankers and one fire engine.

They said scattered thunderstorms in the area were causing erratic winds which will affect fire behavior and direction as well as air and ground resources.

Smoke is dissipating rapidly, but impact may be felt at night as it settles into the Verde Valley, depending on wind direction.

The fire was reported at 10:55 a.m. and its cause is under investigation. #CasnerFire #WildlandFire

Photo via Paul Butler. pic.twitter.com/zR385Rpbzk
— Coconino NF (@CoconinoNF) July 12, 2022