Phoenix-Sized Arizona Fire Threatens Power Supply in Two States

An Arizona wildfire the size of Phoenix could disable power lines that carry electricity to hundreds of thousands of people, the Associated Press reported.

The blaze has consumed about 389,000 acres, much of it in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, as firefighters battle to contain the flames and prevent them from reaching towns in Eastern Arizona. It is headed for a pair of power lines which, if wiped out, could trigger blackouts across Texas and New Mexico.

So far no one has reported serious injuries, and firefighters successfully kept the 607 square mile conflagration from spreading to the towns of Eagar and Springerville by burning flammable material before the fire could reach it. About 7,000 people have been forced to evacuate. The fire is believed to be the second largest in the Arizona's history.