Fire crews dwindle, utilities return to Ariz. town
PRESCOTT, Ariz. — There are more signs of progress in the fight against the Arizona wildfire that killed 19 firefighters near the town of Yarnell.
Electric power and propane company crews will begin restoring service Friday and inspect gas tanks for leaks or other damage.
Fire management team spokesman Jim Whittington also says fire bosses will release some personnel because only so many crews can work in the areas where fire-break lines haven’t been completed.
The fire is 80 percent contained. Whittington says that will increase Friday as firefighters do more work on rugged, rocky terrain on the fire’s north side.
The fire destroyed more than 100 homes and burned about 13 square miles. Yarnell remains evacuated, but many residents of the nearby community of Peoples Valley are allowed to return.