Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has declared a state of emergency for Navajo County to free up funds for the Cedar Fire burning near Pinetop-Lakeside.
Ducey said the declaration will release state money to assist with the local response and recovery efforts.The Cedar Fire has burned more than 42,000 acres, but fire crews were able to increase the containment to 22 percent.
Rita Baysinger, a fire information officer, said new weather stations have been installed which will provide firefighters with real time information on temperature and humidity conditions.
"In the afternoon when the burning gets significant that can be very important for cuing firefighters when to hold em and when to fold em when it comes to their safety," said Baysinger.
Baysinger said the nearby communities of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside and Cedar Creek remain under pre-evacuation orders.The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
