The Gladiator Fire has now charred more than 5,400, about 60 miles north of Phoenix. Thursday could be a critical day for firefighters, according to wildfire expert Jim Paxon of Arizona Game and Fish.
The blaze, which started on private property and is 5 percent contained, is burning across the Prescott National Forest, near Crown King, Arizona. An evacuation order remains in effect for Crown King, and Paxon says firefighters are concerned about the front that's expected to roll into the area Friday, which could carry strong winds. There is no date yet for fire containment.