Expanding fire prompts Gila evacuations

Firefighters facing high winds and hostile terrain are recommending campers and seasonal residents clear out of Willow Creek in the Gila National Forest.In addition to the precautionary evacuation of Willow Creek , firefighters themselves have pulled back for their own safety. The fire first detected on May 16 was estimated at 1,000 acres Tuesday morning, but that was before Red Flag conditions set in. Red Flag warnings are issued when a combination of high temperatures, low humidity and dangerous winds create critical fire conditions. "The fire is currently growing and continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain of mixed conifer forest," a statement from fire bosses late Tuesday afternoon said. "The fire remains at zero percent containment as firefighters are unable to directly suppress the fire due to extreme fire behavior...more