CLINTS WELL, Ariz. - Officials say 33 homes and 54 other structures have been lost as the Tinder Fire continues to burn in northern Arizona.
The fire, which was started last Friday by an illegal campfire left abandoned, has burned 13,109 acres and was 66 percent contained as of Friday evening.
Officials say Wednesday's snow and rain in the area "significantly helped limit fire activity."
On Thursday, firefighters focused on securing critical areas of the fire, including the northeast corner.
As conditions allow, firing operations may be conducted to further secure unburned islands within the fire perimeter. Some increased smoke from these operations is expected.
Officials said the evacuations of the communities north, east and west of Highway 87 remain in effect. Highway 87 remains closed in the fire area.
The evacuations will be lifted in a planned re-entry for residents only starting 8 a.m. Friday.
With warmer, drier conditions returning to the state over the next few days, officials said, there's still potential for heat within the fire's perimeter to spread.
