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The fire in the US state has ravaged over 500 acres and is continuing to burn towards the north-east of Blue Ridge Reservoir. Fire officials have declared an estimated 500 staff are attempting to quell the horrifying flames. Pictures have emerged of the devastating fire and smoke billowing across the region. Officials have warned of “rapid and significant” growth of the flames, according to local reporter John Genovese.

Twitter @azstateforestry Facebook @arizonastateforestry Fire officials have declared an estimated 500 staff are attempting to quell the horrifying flames

He stated: “Officials tell me Tinder Fire had ‘rapid, significant’ growth today. “Well past 500 acres. Won't know exact number until survey flight tomorrow. “High winds, dry fuel and topography are the biggest challenges for fire crews.” The wildfire started on Friday to the east of Clints Well.

Evacuations of Moqui Ranchettes, Starlight Pines, Clear Creek Pines, Tamerron Pines, Ponderosa Pine, Timber Ridge and Pine Canyon have taken place. Arizona was braced for “critical fire weather conditions" on Sunday evening thanks to strong winds and low humidity. Gusts of up to 50mph were expected and forced the grounding of helicopters and planes that had been scrambling to aid crews on the ground.

Arizona’s Route 87 was close to the southeast of Flagstaff in both directions as the horrifying flames continue to burn. Winslow Junior High School and the Holbrook Navajo County Fairgrounds provided shelter and were open to the evacuation of animals. Although the exact cause of the fire is unknown, officials have declared they believe a human is responsible for its outbreak.

Twitter @azstateforestry Pictures have emerged of the devastating fire and smoke billowing across the region

The acting district ranger for the Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Brad Cooper, emphasised the difficulty in deciding whether to impose further restrictions on the area. He explained: "Our mission is to provide recreation and everything else, but we also want to be cognisant of the fire danger. “We just don't make those decisions lightly until we need to."

Facebook @arizonastateforestry Officials have warned of 'rapid and significant' growth of the flames