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CNN Live At Daybreak
In Arizona, Firefighters Holding Line Against Tremendous Wildfire
Aired June 26, 2002 - 06:33 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Let's head back out west now, shall we? In Arizona, firefighters are holding the line against a tremendous wildfire. It's now just a half mile from Show Low.
CNN's Eric Philips joins us now with a live update -- good morning.
ERIC PHILIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, good morning, Carol. Though this fire is still very much out of control, officials say it has not moved much in the last 24 hours, and they are hoping to achieve at least partial containment soon.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have to keep pushing ourselves and get the job done right the first time around. This is a critical area, and it was explained to us pretty much if we lose this, you know, it's going to be pretty hard to stop it over on the other side of Highway 60 there.
PHILIPS (voice-over): It's hard work, but firefighters say keeping the fire from crossing the highway is key to saving the town of Show Low. They say their efforts to dig fire lines and set controlled burns are paying off. The fire is moving, but very slowly, and cloud cover yesterday helped immensely, acting as a lid over the fire.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It held this fire in real low activity, real mild-mannered, just didn't burn very much.
PHILIPS: As the fire has pushed its way along, it has consumed at least 375 homes in the process. Crews are dropping slurry on homes closest to the main fire that are most at risk. Fire officials are concerned about drifting embers that could start spot fires, but they say the chances of a wall of fire coming through Show Low are diminishing.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are not saying that Show Low, Pinetop and Lakeside are safe, but there are a few smiles on some of the ops guys' faces. And another day, we'll be calling some containment on this fire.
PHILIPS: As crews entered day nine of fighting, every bit of positive news gives them more determination.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, that was good, but we're tired, yes, definitely tired.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILIPS: Officials are quick to point out that this fire is far from over, saying it will take summer rains to quench it. Today's forecast here is calling for dry conditions.
Live in Show Low, Arizona, I am Eric Philips -- Carol, let's head back to you.
COSTELLO: All right. Thank you very much, Eric.
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