PAYSON, Ariz., May 19 (UPI) -- Arizona officials Saturday said thunderstorms and increasing winds could potentially hamper firefighters' efforts to contain a wildfire near Payson, Ariz.
While firefighters have nearly contained the fire, The Arizona Republic said state officials are concerned that a series of thunderstorms packing strong winds could whip up the flames.
"We've just been in this pattern where we've been waiting on the weather," State Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Lori Cook said Saturday afternoon.
Cook said that since the human-sparked wildfire began burning last Sunday, it has charred nearly 4,000 acres.
She said 21 residents evacuated from nearby communities on Friday would be allowed to return to their homes once the blaze was adequately contained.
"We want to make sure it is safe for the residents and firefighters to go back," the state official said. "We're still waiting to see."
The Republic said 20 firefighting crews representing a total of more than 680 personnel were on hand to fight the wildfire.
