Huge AZ wildfire spreads, health conditions worsen

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ARIZONA_WILDFIRES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-06-12-08-47-04

SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. (AP) -- New Mexico officials are warning residents of potentially hazardous air quality over the weekend from throat-burning smoke spewing from a gigantic wildfire in eastern Arizona that has been blazing for several weeks.

The 672-square-mile fire jumped the state line late Friday as firefighters moved to counter spot fires sprouting up in New Mexico and lighting their own fires to beat it back.

Health officials warned residents as far away as Albuquerque and Santa Fe about potential respiratory hazards, noting sensitive groups such as those with asthma, lung or heart disease, children, pregnant women and seniors should take extra precautions.

"Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it's safe to be outside," said Chris Minnick, a spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Health.

[WhiteTara]

1. I was in CA during the last really big fire and the

smoke was so thick at times we couldn't see across the driveway to the street. We spent the entire summer inside the house w/o ac and the windows closed only going out when we had to.

I am so sorry for all the creatures that were living in those forests and their fiery deaths. It will be a moonscape for years to come.

Does anyone know how this fire started?

[xchrom]

2. i haven't heard how it started. nt