The blaze could have stemmed from a signal fire from a group of lost hikers, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.
CROWN KING, Arizona, a wildfire that forced the evacuation of the mountain community of Crown King and burned three homes and four outbuildings is still threatening the town.
Prescott National Forest spokeswoman Debbie Maneely says despite firefighters' efforts since the fire broke out late Saturday, crews have not been able to control any of the fire.
As of Tuesday morning, it had burned 5,300 acres, or 8 square miles, of forest in the rugged mountains around Crown King. About 300 firefighters are assigned to battle the blaze and fire engines are deployed through the town to try to protect the scattered cabins and businesses.
Much of the fight is being waged from the air, with two heavy air tankers dropping retardant and five helicopters making runs to knock down the flames.
About 120 residents voluntarily evacuated the town about 20 miles southeast of Prescott on Sunday. Maneely says there's no way to tell when they may be allowed to return.
The Yavapai County Sheriff's office said rescuers found four lost hikers about daybreak Sunday and separately, a fifth person who had left them to find a way back to his campsite.
Prescott National Forest implemented an Emergency Fire Closure. All national forest land south of County Road 177 (Mayer/Goodwin Road) west to the Forest boundary and Forest Road 9406T has been closed to the public.
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