SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. — A campfire probably sparked what is now the largest blaze in Arizona history, and authorities said Wednesday that they’ve questioned two “persons of interest” as the massive wildfire and two others threaten separate corners of New Mexico.
Investigators, however, declined to call the two people suspects or speculate on whether they’ll face charges or be found liable to pay restitution.
The Wallow fire burning in eastern Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest continued its cross-border threat to Luna, N.M., as it grew to 478,452 acres of forest, or nearly 750 square miles, fire command-team spokesman Alan Barbian said.
Of that, 4,911 acres were in New Mexico and 473,541 in Arizona, making it the largest fire in Arizona history — although nowhere near the most damaging to homes.
The blaze has forced nearly 10,000 residents to evacuate in several small mountain communities and two larger towns on the forest’s edge. It has burned 32 homes and four rental cabins.
Arizona’s largest fire previously was the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski fire, which burned 732 square miles and destroyed 491 buildings.
In New Mexico, firefighters were making strides Wednesday. They bolstered fire lines on the southern edge of the Track fire along the New Mexico-Colorado border, allowing officials in Raton, N.M., to lift some evacuation orders.
Utility crews also worked to repair a fire-damaged valve along a natural-gas pipeline that serves thousands of customers in the Raton area and several communities to the south.
The blaze, which started Sunday, has burned more than 25,300 acres and was 5 percent contained. It has blackened about half the forested acres at Sugarite Canyon State Park and shut down a 20-mile stretch of Interstate 25, from Raton to Trinidad, Colo. The park and interstate remain closed.
In southern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has been closed by the Loop fire this week, but it reopened Wednesday evening. Park officials planned to resume normal hours today.
The fire burning around the park has charred more than 47 square miles.
New Mexico’s tourism secretary said the state had been hoping for a modest rebound in visitors this summer. But with fires burning near three of the state’s four borders, she’s trying to stay optimistic and offer reassurances that New Mexico is open for business.
Forecasts through the weekend called for stronger winds, little humidity and above-normal temperatures.
