Rock Canyon Fire in northern Arizona now 3K acres, campgrounds threatened

NORTHERN ARIZONA (AZFamily) — A fire in northern Arizona grew significantly in the last 24 hours and is threatening camping areas in Coconino County, officials say.

The Arizona Bureau of Land Management says the Rock Canyon Fire, which began Monday afternoon, is 3,000 acres and 5% contained. It was caused by lightning. The fire was initially reported at 500 acres on Monday night.

The head of the fire is approximately three miles from House Rock Valley, near the Arizona-Utah border. Strong winds continued to push the fire eastward on Tuesday, officials said.

“Plans are in place to evacuate recreators and any public camping in the House Rock Valley, starting as early as this [Monday] evening,” BLM officials said in a statement. “The anticipated winds this evening are expected to contribute to further substantial expansion of the fire into the late night and early morning.”

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