Get the most recent information on the Cedar Creek Fire here.
SHOW LOW, Ariz. - A wildfire near Show Low that started Wednesday and swiftly grew in size has surged to more than 3,000 acres and prompted evacuations in the area.
The Cedar Creek Fire started Wednesday before noon about 12 miles south of Show Low.
As of Thursday morning, dry conditions and sustained winds of up to 18 mph were forecast for the area.
CURRENT: Arizona wind gusts
Navajo County officials issued an evacuation notice for the town of Forestdale as a result of the growing blaze, and pre-evacuation orders for Show Low, Pinetop, Lakeside and the immediate surrounding areas.
The American Red Cross Northern Arizona Chapter is operating a shelter for evacuated residents at Snowflake High School at N. 2nd St. West in Snowflake. The shelter had previously been located at Snowflake Junior High, but was moved to Snowflake High School to better accommodate the needs of evacuees.
Daryl Seymore, the mayor of Show Low made it very clear to residents that while they are not under a mandatory evacuation yet, they need to be prepared.
Forestdale, a sparsely populated town, was the first to be evacuated but only two families were displaced.
"It's one of those thing we hope doesn't happen again but we are being threatened by a serious forest fire," Seymore said at a news conference late Wednesday night.
"It's scary, it's scary. I don't want to have to see it again," said resident Mel Coleman.
READY NAVAJO COUNTY: Sign up to get alerted if evacuations are ordered
Just before 10 p.m., fire officials said the fire had spread to 3,000 acres.
They say dry brush and heavy winds are fueling the very intense and fast-moving flames. The winds died down overnight but were expected to pick up again Thursday.
Most in the area have been through a wildfires and evacuations before, so they know how bad it can get.
"You don't know what to expect when you get home, it's pretty nerve-wracking; very stressful," Coleman said.
"It's just devastating," said resident Jeri Mcoombs. "It makes me more sad than afraid."
Mayor Seymore said the overnight hours are a big concern to see where the fire will head next.
At last check, he said flames were around 12 miles from the nearest homes.
People who don't want to evacuate can stay but they are not allowed to leave their property.
Those who evacuate are asked to mark their homes to let fire crews know the property is empty.
Officials say that if the evacuation order comes Thursday, homeowners will likely have to leave immediately. The fire was 12 miles from the community of Show Low and burning fast. Sheriff's deputies have ben patrolling the area and will let residents know if there is an immediate need to evacuate.
To be alerted if an evacuation is ordered, please sign up at http://bit.ly/ReadyNavajoCounty. Get notified about emergencies by signing up for Navajo County's emergency notification system. This system enables the County to provide residents with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
The Cedar Creek Fire has forced the closure of US 60 south of Show Low, according to Candy Lupe with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and it continues to grow.
Smoke from the fire is visible in the Show Low area.
Gov. Doug Ducey released the following statement on Wednesday:
"I have instructed my senior staff, the State Forester, the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and the Department of Public Safety to provide all necessary support to local and federal agencies as they work to control the fire and protect the Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low and White Mountain Apache communities from danger. This area has experienced severe wildfires before, so the state is on high alert given the additional risks posed by current weather conditions. Whether it’s resources, support or backup, we stand at the ready to provide fire officials and our brave and talented first responders with all they need to safeguard Arizonans from this fire."
