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Published June 06, 2011, 10:30 AM

Arizona forest fire expands to 193,000 acres

A massive wildfire in eastern Arizona that forced the evacuation of several mountain communities has grown to 301 square miles, and crews face another tough day ahead.

SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. (AP) — A massive wildfire in eastern Arizona that forced the evacuation of several mountain communities has grown to 301 square miles, and crews face another tough day ahead.

Strong winds and low humidity are predicted Monday at the Wallow fire, with a red flag warning in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The U.S. Forest Service says the blaze has burned nearly 193,000 acres since it started more than a week near the White Mountain town of Alpine. But so far there is zero containment.

Apache County sheriff's deputies evacuated several subdivisions near the border Sunday, while many people voluntarily left the vacation town of Greer.

Evacuation orders for the communities of Alpine and Nutrioso remain in effect.

Meanwhile, the 2,300 firefighters at the scene are continuing burnout operations, hoping to rob the wildfire of fuel.

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