A community safety meeting took place Thursday night in Alpine, near the site of the Rattlesnake Fire. The fire is approaching 13,000 acres.
The majority of new growth in the fire took place in its interior. Despite acreage increased up to 13,000 acres, the Rattlesnake Fire has not advanced toward the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso or Round Valley. Smoke is strong in those towns, but homes are not in danger yet.
Fire crews from across Arizona, New Mexico and California have joined local crews, which have been able to contain just 15 percent of the fire.
Winds continue to be a factor, with gusts over 40 miles per hour Thursday. Wind gusts could peak at 30 miles per hour on Friday.
Officials are holding a community safety meeting Thursday night at the Alpine Community Center to discuss the largest fire in the state this year.