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Cedar Fire slowly grows to 45,000+ acres, drones causing problems

Posted at 9:58 AM, Jun 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-24 01:56:25-04

The Cedar Fire has increased in size to more than 45,000 acres.

Fire officials said Thursday night the fire stands at 45,737 acres, and was 42% contained--mostly along its northern and southern edges. Nearly 1,000 personnel have responded to the scene, which is southwest of Pinetop-Lakeside in eastern Arizona.

Pre-evacuation notices for several communities, including Cedar Creek and Carrizo, remain in effect as the fire is expected to continue spreading along its eastern and western edges.

Also Thursday, officials said they were having issues with drones near the Cedar Fire.

Navajo County said they have a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the entire fire area. It is illegal to fly a drone within the fire area at any altitude.

According to Navajo County, officials will arrest any drone pilots seen flying in the area and property will be seized.

If drones are in the area, fire air crews are forced to be grounded for their own safety.